Scientists Recreate Fragrance of Egyptian Mummy

Max Planck Institute researchers replicated the fragrance of an Ancient Egyptian noblewoman’s mummy from around 1450 BC. The revelation offers a rare glimpse into the long-lost practices of Ancient Egypt, where mummification held a significant place in rituals concerning the afterlife.

The team studied the embalming materials of the noblewoman Senetnay. Howard Carter, the famous British archaeologist, discovered her remains in the Valley of the Kings in 1900. He achieved global fame in 1923 upon revealing Tutankhamen’s tomb.

Unlocking the Ancient Fragrance

Small remnants were taken from two canopic jars, originally safeguarding the lungs and liver of noblewoman. Barbara Huber, the lead researcher, emphasized the scarcity of the remains available for analysis.

Well, eternity smells like a concoction of beeswax, bitumen, plant oil and tree resin 😲
'Scent of eternity' worn by ancient #Egyptian #mummy has been revealedhttps://t.co/cJqHihcx6u pic.twitter.com/TLD4tuiNCE

— Nina Willburger (@DrNWillburger) August 31, 2023

However, the team’s analysis revealed a complex amalgamation of beeswax, plant oils, fats, resins, and other elements. This intricate blend not only provided crucial insights into the mummification process but also shed light on the extensive trade networks prevalent during Ancient Egypt.

Huber pointed out the presence of materials from diverse regions such as Central Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Mediterranean, as well as locally available resources like beeswax, all combined to create the mummification balm.

Furthermore, the team suggested the potential inclusion of resin from a dammar gum tree, a distinctive ingredient exclusive to Southeast Asia. If this discovery is confirmed, it could suggest that Ancient Egypt’s influence extended over 2,485 miles. This would highlight the extensive trade networks and cultural interactions during that period.

Fragrance of the Mummy Reminded of Greek Holidays

Huber collaborated with French perfumer Carole Calvez to replicate Senetnay’s fragrance. Out of numerous formulas, one was selected, creating a scent that Calves described as “woody, resinous, balsamic, aldehydic, very warm, powerful.”

She notes in speaking to Euronews that the primary ingredient, lentiscus pistacia, invoked memories of Greek holidays. Huber compared the experience to a forest walk, surrounded by various tree resins.

Mummies With Golden Tongues

Ancient mummies are a unique source of knowledge about past civilizations and amazing attraction for archeology lovers. For instance, archaeologists recently unearthed ancient mummies with gold tongues at Egypt’s Quweisna necropolis. The site, discovered in the central Nile Delta, presented some intriguing findings.

In 1989, the Qwaisana Archaeological Compound was found, suggesting ancient occupation during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.

While there have been prior discoveries of golden-tongued mummies, the mystery remains unsolved. The Qwaisana site revealed diverse burial practices across different levels, along with mummies adorned with gilded bones and symbolic artifacts representing rebirth.