Experimental archaeology serves as a fascinating bridge between the past and present, employing ancient techniques to reveal the intricacies of historical practices. In his forthcoming book, Dinner with King Tut: How Rogue Archaeologists Are Re-creating the Sights, Sounds, Smells, and Tastes of Lost Civilizations, science writer Sam Kean sheds light on this unique approach, featuring a particularly striking experiment: the mummification of a modern individual using methods borrowed directly from ancient Egyptian practices.
The allure of mummification lies primarily in its deep-rooted connections to ancient Egyptian culture, where the preservation of the dead was achieved through meticulous embalming rituals steeped in mystery. Historical records provide scant details on these procedures, giving experimental archaeologists a challenging yet intriguing canvas to explore. In this case, Kean profiles an endeavor by two pioneers—Bob Brier, an Egyptologist, and Ronn Wade, an anatomist—who in 1994 turned their attention to mummifying a human body.
Brier and Wade’s quest began with selecting a suitable individual from those who had donated their bodies for scientific study. They opted for a 76-year-old man who had succumbed to a heart attack, humorously nicknamed “E. M. Balm” by Wade. To ensure authenticity, they utilized replicas of ancient embalming tools and materials, including linen wraps and traditional wooden tables, aiming to mirror the methods used thousands of years ago.
The practitioners prepared for the critical phase of brain removal with practice sessions involving heads procured from a medical school’s anatomy program. Historical references suggested a technique using a hooked rod inserted through the nose to extract the brain. Initial attempts yielded failure, leading to a creative yet unconventional solution: they squirted water into the cadaver's nostrils, transforming the brain into a slushy mixture that could be extracted more easily. Brier likened the experience to extracting a “strawberry milkshake.”
The mummification process commenced in May 1994, starting with organ removal. Different organs were treated according to their historical significance; the heart was left intact, while others—such as the liver and lungs—were extracted and preserved. Employing a 3.5-inch incision in the abdomen, Brier and Wade removed various organs while contending with the confines of the body. Their efforts demanded creative problem-solving, especially while detaching the lungs from the heart.
The duo then treated the body with substances steeped in ritual significance, cleansing it with palm wine and myrrh before inserting frankincense into the skull. This preparation was vital for ensuring the body was treated with the respect and care befitting its transition to the afterlife. The ancient embalmers often used expensive imported materials for preservation, highlighting the extensive trade networks of their time.
Next came the crucial step of dehydration using natron, a naturally occurring mineral blend of salt and baking soda, essential for preventing decay. Brier personally collected natron during a trip to Egypt, an effort that included the comical challenge of smuggling several hundred pounds of the substance back into the U.S. Once home, they simulated the arid Egyptian environment in a lab setting, with temperature controls and dehumidifiers maximizing the effectiveness of the natron.
Over five weeks, the natron absorbed moisture, and Brier describes the transformation of the body as remarkable. The mummified figure took on an appearance reminiscent of ancient remains, a reminder that the mummification process itself was pivotal in preserving the iconic image of mummies. Brier expressed astonishment at the early stages of his project, witnessing the pronounced changes: “He looked just like Ramses the Great,” he remarked, as the body emerged with leathery skin and distinct features.
The dehydration not only altered the look but also made the limbs stiff and reduced the body’s weight significantly—from 188 pounds to about 79 pounds, a stark difference that pointed to the mechanics of mummification. With a clearer understanding of how embalming affected organ size, Brier and Wade could grasp why the Egyptians used canopic jars designed with slender openings, as the natron had diminished the size of the now-dried organs.
To complete the ritual, they massaged the body with a blend of aromatic oils before wrapping it meticulously in linen, a procedure that began by wrapping limbs individually before covering the torso. They included amulets and papyrus inscribed with spells between the layers, ensuring that the deceased had all he needed for the afterlife.
Decades later, the mummy remains housed in a metal casket in Maryland, a testament to the duo's commitment to their craft and the effectiveness of their methods. Brier and Wade have opened the casket twice to verify its condition, noting that the mummy is in excellent shape: “He’s dead and well,” reflected Brier. This project not only emphasizes the enduring fascination with ancient cultures but also represents a tangible connection that experimental archaeology can forge between our time and that of the long-gone.
