Raven, M.J. & W.K. Taconis. 2005. Egyptian Mummies: Radiological Atlas of the Collections in the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden. – Turnhout, Brepols (Papers on Archaeology of the Leiden Museum of Antiquities 1)

Abstract

The National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden houses one of the finest collections of artefacts from ancient Egypt in the world. A major highlight is the rich collection of human and animal mummies, famed not only for its breadth and variety, but also for the excellent condition of many specimens. Various earlier catalogues published by the museum since the 19^th century have mentioned the mummies in passing, and a popular account was released by Raven in 1993 in connection to an exhibition. This book is, however, the first comprehensive and academic description to appear.

The main focus of the current volume is the presentation of the results of the recent Dutch radiological survey of the Leiden mummies - the first systematic examination of a large collection with the latest CT technology. It also details the long and interesting history of the collection and of the scientific study of Egyptian mummies in general as well as giving a short and informative introduction to the art of mummification as it was performed in ancient Egypt. Read more...