Limestone Canopic Jar of the Egyptian woman Senetnay (c. 1450 BCE); Museum August Kestner, Hannover (Inv.-No. Credit: Museum August Kestner, Hannover; Photo: Christian Tepper (museum photographer).
While the structure of the balms from both jars appeared to be really similar, the authors determined two substances that were only present in the container used to keep Senetnays lungs. The existence of these active ingredients in just one of the two jars could show that different balms were utilized to maintain various organs.
Limestone Canopic Jar of the Egyptian woman Senetnay (c. 1450 BCE); Museum August Kestner, Hannover (Inv.-No. 1935.200.1018). Credit: Museum August Kestner, Hannover; Photo: Christian Tepper (museum professional photographer).
Balm Analysis.
Barbara Huber, Nicole Boivin, and coworkers analyzed the substances discovered within 6 balm samples from 2 jars that were used to keep Senetnays lungs and liver. They report that both balms included beeswax, plant oils, animal fats, the naturally happening petroleum product bitumen, and resins from the household of coniferous trees that consists of pines and larches.
The authors also identified the presence of the substances coumarin and benzoic acid within samples from both containers. Coumarin is and has a vanilla-like aroma found in a vast array of plants consisting of cinnamons and pea plants, while benzoic acid occurs in fragrant resins and gums acquired from a number of types of trees and shrubs.
While the composition of the balms from both jars appeared to be really similar, the authors identified two compounds that were only present in the jar utilized to store Senetnays lungs. These were a substance called larixol– which is discovered in larch resin– and another aromatic resin that they recommend is either dammar, which is obtained from dipterocarp trees that grow in India and Southeast Asia, or a resin obtained from Pistacia trees– a group that belongs to the cashew household. The existence of these active ingredients in just one of the two containers could indicate that various balms were used to maintain different organs.
Comparative Analysis and Social Implications.
Based on an evaluation of previous analyses of mummification balms, the authors report that the composition of those applied to Senetnays organs was relatively complex compared to others from the same period. Furthermore, they recommend that many of the prospective ingredients would likely have actually been imported from locations outside Egypt.
The authors postulate that the complexity of the balms and the use of imported components in the mummification of Senetnay reflect her high social status and indicate that she was an extremely valued member of the Pharaohs entourage.
Reference: “Biomolecular characterization of 3500-year-old ancient Egyptian mummification balms from the Valley of the Kings” 31 August 2023, Scientific Reports.DOI: 10.1038/ s41598-023-39393-y.
A new research study information the elements of the mummification balms for ancient Egyptian noblewoman Senetnay. The balms detailed and imported active ingredients highlight Senetnays high status in Egyptian society, highlighting her pivotal function in Pharaoh Amenhotep IIs life and her title as the “Ornament of the King.”
Researchers decipher the mummification balms of ancient noblewoman Senetnay, revealing her raised status in Egyptian society.
The components of balms utilized in the mummification of an ancient Egyptian noblewoman named Senetnay– whose remains were excavated by Howard Carter in 1900 CE– are explained in a study released today (August 31) in the journal Scientific Reports. The origins and intricacy of the balms offer ideas regarding the high status of the person.
Historical Background
Previous research study has actually recognized that Senetnay resided in Egypt around 1,450 BCE, was a wet nurse to the Pharaoh Amenhotep II during his infancy, and bore the title “Ornament of the King.” After her death, her mummified organs were saved in 4 containers in a royal tomb in the esteemed Valley of the Kings.
