Among the human remains found scattered in the burial chamber was the mummified head of one of Tomb 10A’s occupants, detached from its body by the rough treatment of tomb robbers. We still do not know whether it is Governor or Lady Djehutynakht. DNA analysis of one of the mummy’s teeth is now underway to help answer this question.
Scientists from Massachusetts General Hospital examined the head using medical imaging techniques. This revealed dramatic new information about Egyptian mummification practices; for example, this mummy is one of the earliest to show evidence that embalmers removed the brain through the nose, a process that later became common.
Most intriguing is the skilled removal of several bones around the cheeks. This “surgery” did not help with brain removal, so it may instead relate to the funeral ritual known as the Opening of the Mouth Ceremony. This allowed the deceased to eat, drink, and breathe in the afterlife.
Ultra-high-resolution CT scanning produced a three-dimensional computer reconstruction of the head, including the skull underneath the wrappings. Images courtesy of Jennifer McGowan, 3D Imaging Department, Massachusetts General Hospital.
