Have you ever asked yourself? The mummified bodies of ancient Egypt smell of “wood”, “spicy” already “sweet.” A study that reveals details about mummification practices. Thus the smell of the mummies of Egypt was identified.
The investigation is in the ‘Journal of the American Chemical Society’. It is the first to systematically study the smells of mummified bodies combining a mixture of instrumental and sensory techniques. It includes an electronic “nose” and human “smells.” Nine mummified bodies of ancient Egypt were studied.
Sniffing
Tracts were obtained on the materials used in the mummification and how these practices evolved. This type of chemical analysis will help its conservation. The main author is Professor Matija Strlic, of the UCL (University College London). He describes it in a statement. «The smell of mummified bodies has raised for years a great interest on the part of experts and the general public. It is the first chemical and perceptual scientific study. Now we can better plan conservation and understand the old
Odors are chemical molecules suspended in the air that emits a substance. The researchers used a gas chromatograph. They measured the chemical substances issued by nine mummified bodies of ancient Egypt that are exhibited and stored in the Egyptian Museum of Cairo. A panel of human “smells” trained described the smells in terms of quality, intensity and pleasure.
They were able to identify whether the chemical smell was emitted by the archaeological object, of conservation or pesticide products that could have been added later. They inquired about the natural deterioration of the object over the years due to molds, bacteria and other microorganisms. The investigation demonstrated the efficacy of the smell as a non -invasive and non -destructive method. It serves to categorize and chemically analyze the old remains.
Odor Museum
This provides a deeper vision of conservation and material history of ancient mummified bodies. And it will allow museums to attract the public not only visually, but also using their nose through the creation of “olfactory landscapes.” They seek to make a contemporary reconstruction of the smell of the mummies of Egypt. It will allow the public to experience this important aspect of ancient Egypt’s heritage. And approach embalming and conservation practices in an attractive and olfactory way.
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