A recent scholarly investigation provides an in-depth look into the composition of the embalming balms used for Senetnay, an ancient Egyptian noblewoman. The elaborate and foreign nature of these ingredients highlights her elevated standing within Egyptian society, as well as her significant role in the life of Pharaoh Amenhotep II, by whom she was designated as the “Ornament of the King.”
Scientists have deciphered the composition of the embalming substances used on the ancient noblewoman Senetnay, shedding light on her privileged position in Egyptian society.
The study, published today (August 31) in the journal Scientific Reports, details the substances used in the embalming of Senetnay, whose remains were unearthed by archaeologist Howard Carter in the year 1900 CE. The intricate nature and provenance of these balms serve as indicators of her esteemed status.
Table of Contents
Historical Context
Prior scholarly work has established that Senetnay lived in Egypt around the year 1450 BCE and served as a wet nurse to Pharaoh Amenhotep II during his early years. She was honored with the title “Ornament of the King.” Post-mortem, her embalmed organs were placed in four canopic jars and stored in a royal sepulcher situated in the prestigious Valley of the Kings.
Limestone Canopic Jar containing the organs of Egyptian noblewoman Senetnay (circa 1450 BCE); displayed at Museum August Kestner, Hannover (Inventory No. 1935.200.1018). Credit: Museum August Kestner, Hannover; Photograph by: Christian Tepper (museum photographer).
Examination of Balm Ingredients
Researchers Barbara Huber, Nicole Boivin, and associates scrutinized the constituents of six embalming balm samples, originating from two jars that stored Senetnay’s liver and lungs. They found that both balms comprised beeswax, plant-based oils, animal-derived fats, the naturally-sourced petroleum derivative bitumen, and resins sourced from the coniferous tree family that includes pines and larches.
The team also discovered the presence of coumarin and benzoic acid in samples from both jars. Coumarin emits a vanilla-like aroma and is prevalent in various plants such as cinnamons and pea plants. Benzoic acid is present in aromatic resins and gums extracted from multiple tree and shrub species.
Although the formulations from both jars bore a high degree of similarity, the researchers detected two substances unique to the jar housing Senetnay’s lungs. These were larixol, found in larch resin, and another aromatic resin suggested to be either dammar—derived from dipterocarp trees native to India and Southeast Asia—or a resin sourced from Pistacia trees, a part of the cashew family. This suggests the possibility that divergent embalming substances were employed for distinct organs.
Comparative Assessment and Sociocultural Ramifications
Upon reviewing prior analyses of mummification balms, the authors noted that the concoction used on Senetnay’s organs demonstrated relative complexity when compared to other samples from the corresponding era. They also posited that the majority of the ingredients were likely imported from regions external to Egypt.
The study’s authors theorize that the intricate nature of the balms and the incorporation of imported elements in Senetnay’s mummification are reflective of her elevated social rank and denote her as a person of considerable importance within the Pharaoh’s inner circle.
Reference
“Biomolecular characterization of 3500-year-old ancient Egyptian mummification balms from the Valley of the Kings,” 31 August 2023, Scientific Reports.
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39393-y
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ancient Egyptian Mummification
What is the primary focus of the scholarly analysis?
The primary focus of the analysis is to investigate the composition of the embalming balms used on Senetnay, an ancient Egyptian noblewoman. This study aims to shed light on her elevated social status and significant role in Pharaoh Amenhotep II’s life.
Who conducted the research and where was it published?
The research was conducted by scientists Barbara Huber, Nicole Boivin, and their associates. The study was published in the journal Scientific Reports on August 31.
What historical background is provided about Senetnay?
Senetnay lived around the year 1450 BCE in Egypt. She served as a wet nurse to Pharaoh Amenhotep II during his early years and bore the title “Ornament of the King.” After her death, her embalmed organs were stored in four canopic jars in a royal tomb in the Valley of the Kings.
What were the primary ingredients identified in Senetnay’s mummification balms?
The primary ingredients in the embalming balms included beeswax, plant oils, animal fats, bitumen, and resins from coniferous trees. Additional compounds such as coumarin and benzoic acid were also identified.
Were there any unique substances found in different jars?
Yes, two substances were uniquely identified in the jar used to store Senetnay’s lungs: larixol, which is found in larch resin, and another aromatic resin that is either dammar from dipterocarp trees or a resin from Pistacia trees.
What are the broader implications of the study?
The complex nature of the balms and the use of imported ingredients indicate Senetnay’s high social standing and her importance within Pharaoh Amenhotep II’s inner circle. The study suggests that such elaborate mummification processes were likely reserved for individuals of considerable societal significance.
Where can one access the full study?
The full study is available in the journal Scientific Reports, under the title “Biomolecular characterization of 3500-year-old ancient Egyptian mummification balms from the Valley of the Kings,” with the DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39393-y.
More about Ancient Egyptian Mummification
- Scientific Reports Journal
- Howard Carter’s Archaeological Contributions
- Pharaoh Amenhotep II
- Valley of the Kings
- Canopic Jars in Ancient Egyptian Burial Practices
- Study on Coumarin and Benzoic Acid
- The Role of Wet Nurses in Ancient Egypt
- Dipterocarp Trees
- Pistacia Trees and the Cashew Family
7 comments
Wow, never knew that ancient Egyptians went to such lengths for mummification. Importing ingredients and all, that’s some next level stuff.
Great piece, but does anyone know what larixol is? Never heard of it till now.
Anyone else intrigued by the title “Ornament of the King”? Makes ya wonder what her life was like. What a read.
this is mind blowing. they took so much care for some1 who was a wet nurse, really shows how important she must’ve been.
Is it just me or does coumarin sound like it would smell amazing? vanilla-like scent in a mummy balm, who would’ve thought?
Super interesting! Always thought mummification was kinda basic, but turns out it was pretty high tech for its time huh?
Impressed with the research depth. Those scientists really dug into the nitty-gritty of the balms. Kudos to them.