A mummy, estimated to be 2,000 years old and currently housed at the Corpus Christi Museum of Natural History in Texas, has been taken to Driscoll Children’s Hospital for an X-ray examination. This collaborative effort aims to determine the mummy’s age, gender, and cause of death, providing insights into its ancient origins.
Ancient Peruvian Mummy Studied in a Modern Hospital
The mummy, thought to be a young girl from the Inca Empire in Peru, dates back around 2,000 years according to records from the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History. Doctors are using X-ray technology to unlock the secrets of this ancient artifact.
Suzi Beckwith, the Diagnostic X-ray Coordinator at Driscoll Children’s Hospital, expressed her excitement, saying, “She was not my average patient!” The mummy has been under the care of the Corpus Christi Museum for over sixty years, and this current project seeks to gather comprehensive information to facilitate its eventual return to its place of origin.
The Historical Significance of Peruvian Mummies
Examining Peruvian mummies to understand ancient culture and society is not a new practice. Previous studies, such as one investigating four mummies from Peru’s Tres Ventanas cave dating back 8,000 to 10,000 years, have provided valuable insights. These mummies have revealed details about agricultural practices and animal domestication concurrent with those in Egypt and Mesopotamia. The importance of these findings highlights the potential for future research on mummified remains.
What X-rays Can Reveal About the Mummy
The X-rays taken of the mummy could definitively establish its gender, age, and cause of death. Jillian Becquet, the Collections Manager at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, notes that the objective is to share this information with anthropologists in Peru and determine the mummy’s cultural background. Historical records indicate that the mummy was initially displayed in New York City before being transferred to the Corpus Christi Museum in 1957. Ensuring the mummy’s return to its original resting place honors the respectful burial conducted by her community.
Collaboration for Cultural Understanding
The transportation of the ancient Peruvian mummy to Driscoll Children’s Hospital for X-ray examination is a significant step in uncovering its mysteries. The collaboration between the museum and the hospital aims to reveal valuable details about the mummy’s age, gender, and cause of death, thus enhancing our knowledge of ancient Peruvian culture. Upon completion of the examination, the mummy will be returned to Peru, where local anthropologists will evaluate the findings and further substantiate the research.
