Mummies stored in the vaults of the Field Museum in Chicago for more than a century now have a temporary home in Los Angeles, being “unraveled” and seemingly given new life in a world premiere exhibit at the Natural History Museum.
“Mummies: New Secrets from the Tombs,” which opens today, presents an intimate look at ancient Egyptians and Peruvians. CAT scans and other technologies have allowed scientists to look differently at these artifacts, and now visitors can, too. By watching computerized three-dimensional renderings, visitors can see under layers of history to show people long deceased but still with so many stories to tell.
Doctors Ryan Williams and Jim Phillips, head of social sciences at the Integrative Research Center at the Field Museum and curator of ancient Egypt at the Field, respectively, recently visited L.A. to provide a sneak peek. Neither seemed able to mask their enthusiasm at what they’ve found through their work or their excitement at sharing it with the world. The Los Angeles stop is the first time the exhibit, which runs through Jan. 18, has been out of the Field.
“For the first time, we were able to look into these sarcophagi because we had not opened them at all,” Phillips said.
What they found was detailed information about the gender, diseases (one individual had tuberculosis and another typhus), habitats and even diets of these individuals.
“The people who developed this mummification process, across the globe, wanted to preserve the bodies of individuals you will be seeing because they were symbolic in each of their cultures,” Phillips continued.
Although mummies are mostly associated with Egypt, the Chinchorro people, who lived in what is now Peru and Chile, actually were the first to practice mummification. Part of the exhibit examines that discovery.
How each was buried and what kind of mummification process was involved differs with the Egyptians and Peruvians, but one fact remains constant: a desire to respectfully care for these individuals and to keep them as near as possible.
Phillips has spent his career studying the Egyptians, but he said what he found by examining the Peruvian mummies stunned him.
“What you’ll see from the Peruvian bundle is magnificent, truly magnificent,” he promised.
One mummy is a 40-year-old woman from the Roman era nicknamed the “Gilded Lady.” Modern technology a la CSI has allowed scientists to forensically reconstruct a sculpture of her allowing guests to peer into her eyes.
In addition, there are intricately decorated coffins, mummification tools and bird, cat and crocodile mummies included in the exhibit where guests are allowed to virtually “unwrap” them at interactive touch tables.
“This exhibit and the work involved have opened up a whole new world,” said Williams.
The Natural History Museum will have extended hours on opening day. The late-night debut also will have live performances, crafts, cocktails and hands-on activities. There also are activities and programs planned monthly through Jan. 10 — all pertaining to the exhibit.
