Mummified bird, Egypt, 2000-100 BCE

Mummified bird, no provenance, probably Egyptian, 2000-100BC

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Mummified bird, no provenance, probably Egyptian, 2000-100BC
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Mummified bird, no provenance, probably Egyptian, 2000-100BC

The ancient Egyptians believed that some animals were sacred and revered them as earthly representatives of certain gods. Cats, crocodiles, baboons, cows and bulls were all considered sacred. At their death, the animals would have the same burial rites as people and so would be mummified. This mummy is a bird, about the size of a thrush. Some of the beak and wings can be seen through the cloth wrappings.

Details

Category:
Classical & Medieval Medicine
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A32926
Materials:
linen (textile) and animal remains
Measurements:
overall: 60 mm x 65 mm
overall (lying flat): 58 mm x 190 mm x 69 mm, .092 kg
type:
mummy