Mummies at Manchester: applying the Manchester Methodology to the study of mummified animal remains from ancient Egypt

Research into mummification has been underway at the University of Manchester since the 1970s, leading to the development of an evolving best-practice methodology for the study of human and animal remains - The Manchester Methodology. A dedicated research project investigating animal mummies from ancient Egypt began in 2000 and was formally inaugurated in 2010 as the Ancient Egyptian Animal Bio Bank. The project aims to collate the disjointed and disparate information relating to this understudied body of material whilst adding valuable scientific data obtained through a programme of rigorous analysis. Analysis of a cross-species and cross-collection dataset has enabled existing theories about many specimens to be challenged.
The authors describe their programme of experimental mummification which aims to attempt to replicate bodily preservation using techniques witnessed through radiographic and microscopic analysis of ancient mummies in the Bio Bank. This experimental research aims to establish the accuracy of current identification methods and suggest ways in which improvements could be made.
The final section of the paper focuses on public engagement with animal mummies at The University of Manchester through an award-winning touring museum exhibition and accompanying outreach programme.