Ancient Secrets: The Scent of Eternity 🏺✨
Science
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In 2023, scientists identified the compounds within balms used to mummify the organs of an ancient Egyptian noblewoman, a process originating in the Predynastic Period. Researchers, alongside perfumer Carole Calvez, termed this “the scent of eternity.” Following analysis of wrappings using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, a workflow was developed for museum curators. The traditional embalming procedure involved removing organs, primarily the brain, and washing the body cavity with spices and palm wine. Natron was used to dehydrate the body over 40 days, followed by wrapping in linen and resin. The dried organs were stored in canopic jars. This meticulous preservation technique, detailed by Herodotus, demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of natural processes for enduring preservation.
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS OF EMBALMING AGENTS
Science is playing an increasingly vital role in reconstructing ancient Egyptian mummification techniques. Biomolecular analysis, including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, has allowed researchers to identify the specific ingredients used in the process. A 2018 study analyzing organic residues from mummy wrappings revealed a complex mixture: plant oil, an aromatic plant extract, a gum or sugar, and heated conifer resin. This data provided a crucial foundation for understanding the materials employed.
THE COMPOSITION OF EMBALMING BALMS
Further research, detailed in a recent Journal of Archaeological Science paper, focused on the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with balms and mummy tissues. This investigation identified key components, including beeswax, plant oils, animal fats, bitumen, and resins from coniferous trees like pines and larches. Notably, the presence of vanilla-scented coumarin (derived from cinnamon and pea plants) and benzoic acid (a common resin component) added layers of complexity to the formulation.
HUBER’S APPROACH: RECONSTRUCTING THE SCENT
Barbara Huber’s approach to reconstructing ancient Egyptian mummification centered on the balms used to embalm accompanying organs stored in canopic jars. Her team's analysis of these residue samples revealed a distinctive scent profile: a strong pine-like woody scent combined with a sweeter undertone from beeswax and the smoky scent of bitumen. Huber emphasized that translating chemical information into a complete olfactory experience was the real challenge.
PERFUMERY AND THE ART OF SCENT REPLICATION
The project involved collaboration with perfumer Carole Calvez, who was tasked with creating a scent formulation befitting a museum environment. Calvez highlighted the importance of imagining the scent as a whole, emphasizing that the goal was to evoke the complexity of the original material rather than simply replicating individual components.
A MUSEUM-FOCUSED WORKFLOW
Huber’s team developed a streamlined workflow for museums to incorporate scents into their exhibits. This process involved initially identifying links between scientific data and perfumery practice, followed by Calvez’s scent formulation. The team then implemented two formats for scent integration: portable scented cards deployed at the Museum August Kestner in Hanover, Germany, and a fixed scent station constructed at the Moesgaard Museum in Aarhus, Denmark.
THE IMPACT OF SMELL ON MUSEUM VISITS
The incorporation of scent significantly transformed how visitors understood embalming. Steffen Terp Laursen, curator at the Moesgaard Museum, noted that “Smell added an emotional and sensory depth that text labels alone could never provide.” This innovative approach provided a richer, more immersive experience, fundamentally altering the visitor's engagement with ancient Egyptian history and practices.
This article is AI-synthesized from public sources and may not reflect original reporting.