Introduction

Conservation issues relating to Egyptian mummies are discussed in detail in David and David (1995) and David (1986: 87–89); a survey of the subject is provided in Aufderheide (2003: 502–514).

Some human remains have survived in skeletal form whereas others consist of the skeleton and soft tissues. The latter occur in many areas of the world (Aufderheide 2003) and are often described as ‘mummies,’ although, originally, the word ‘mummy’ was used exclusively for the preserved bodies of the ancient Egyptians. The term mummy is reputedly derived from the word mumia, meaning ‘bitumen’ or ‘pitch.’ The word mumia was apparently first applied to a black, bituminous substance that coagulated with the water that brought it down from mountain tops (particularly the ‘Mummy Mountain’ in Persia).

For centuries, it was claimed that this mumia had medicinal properties, and it was an increasingly popular ingredient in medieval and later prescriptions. When demand outstripped supply, another source of mumia was sought, and the preserved bodies of the ancient Egyptians, which often had a blackened, bituminous appearance, came to be credited with the same properties as mumia. Consequently, tissue from these bodies began to be used as a medicinal ingredient, and they became known as ‘mummies.’

In various countries around the world, some mummies (defined as bodies consisting of the skeleton and soft tissues) are preserved unintentionally, as the result of the natural circumstances of the burial site or place of death.