An ancient Egyptian mummified head exhibited in an Australian school library has been given a makeover through a careful scientific process of reconstruction.
The ancient artifact holds significant intrigue — its journey to Grafton High School in northern New South Wales, roughly 300 miles (480 kilometers) north of Sydney, remains a mystery.
Accompanied by a century-old note claiming its authenticity as a part of a genuine Egyptian mummy, its origins are unclear. However, it will now be showcased alongside 3D-printed models crafted from medical scans and forensic methods.
This exhibit aims to illustrate the reconstruction process and provide insight into the appearance of the individual during their lifetime, as reported by Live Science.
Jennifer Mann, the forensic sculptor behind the reconstruction, emphasized the significance of diverting attention away from human remains. In her words to Live Science, she stated, “And that’s very important, because museums are more and more reluctant to display the remains of ancient people.”
Mummified head belonged to a woman aged between 50 and 60
For this latest reconstruction, scientists utilized computed tomography (CT) scanning to examine the ancient skull. This produced a digital model, which was then printed in polymer resin. This step allowed Mann to create an authentic-looking reconstruction.
Analysis conducted by universities in Australia and Italy revealed intriguing details about the individual. The scans indicated that the head belonged to a woman aged between 50 and 60 at the time of her passing.
Moreover, traces of gold found on the mummified head suggested that she lived during Egypt’s Greco-Roman period (332 B.C. to A.D. 395). During this era, gold leaf was commonly used in the mummification process.
The final sculpture depicts an accurate portrayal of an elderly Egyptian woman, with her hair styled in a manner popular during the Greek-influenced period.
Gifted to an Australian school in 1915
According to a report by the Australian Broadcast Corporation (ABC), the mummified head was gifted to the school back in 1915. It was donated by either a local doctor, who might have acquired it during his medical studies in Scotland, or by a renowned Egyptologist from the area.
Initially utilized by the school for educational purposes, attempts to return the object to Egypt or donate it to a museum in Sydney were met with resistance.
Interest in the mysterious mummy surged after it was featured on the ABC’s “Stuff the British Stole” podcast last year. The podcast facilitated the CT scans and subsequent facial reconstruction, bringing further attention to the ancient artifact.
Upon receiving the 3D-printed skull, Mann proceeded to incorporate eyes and markers representing tissue depth. These markers were determined based on ultrasonic measurements taken from today’s Egyptians.
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