| Mummy of Lady Gauteshenu | |
| |
| Mummy and Cartonnage of Lady Gautseshenu | |
| Biographical Information | |
|---|---|
| Name(s) | Lady Gauteshenu
Gautseshenu |
| Age | 16 Years Old |
| Sex | Female |
| Status | Upper Class |
| Height | 194 x 55 x 32 cm |
| Source | |
| Culture | Egyptian |
| Date(s) | Third Intermediate Period, Dynasties 25-26, circa 700-650 BCE |
| Site | Thebes, Egypt |
| Current Location | |
| Location | Brooklyn Museum |
| Catalog # | |
Lady Gauteshenu was approximately 16 years old, originating from Thebes, Egypt. She has been deceased for approximately 2,600 years. Lady Gauteshenu was most likely a member of a wealthy or royal family during the Late Period of Ancient Egypt, evident from the amulets that were discovered inside the body. The mummy was purchased by the Brooklyn Museum in 1933, when it was still legal to purchase such antiquities.
Mummification[]
During the mummification process, the brain and all other internal organs were taken out. The only remaining organ was the heart, due to it’s importance in the afterlife. Due to the expensive and time-consuming nature of the mummification process, it was often reserved for members of noble and wealthy families.
The cartonnage she lies in has never been opened. This is with the intention of preserving the inner materials from further decay, and to refrain from disrupting the remains. In 2011, the cartonnage was brought to North Shore University Hospital where it underwent a CT scan. This allowed scientists a non-invasive method of examining the body without opening the cartonnage. The CT scan confirmed the presence of a corpse with flesh, bones, and hair. Moreover, the CT scans revealed that the mummy has excellent teeth.
Additional[]
The cartonnage of Lady Gauteseshenu is decorated with vivid imagery. On the left, she plays an instrument while kneeling in front of the symbol of god Osiris. Illustrated in the middle are the Four Sons of Horus, who are meant to protect the mummified organs of the body. On the right, god Anubis is seen examining the heart of the deceased.
Gauteseshenu translates to "bouquet of lotuses".
External Links[]
https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/mummy_chamber/
References[]
Despain, J. J. (2011, May 3). Mummy, you look wonderful! Brooklyn News. Retrieved from http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/34/18/all_mummyscan_2011_5_6_bk.html
2,600-year-old mummy from Brooklyn Museum gets CT scan. (2011, April 30). The Archaeology News Network. Retrieved from https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.ca/2011/04/2600-year-old-mummy-from-brooklyn.html#bqSjfq309vmZ56Bx.9