Abstract
While formal animal burials are known from Egypt from the earliest periods of its history, anthropogenically mummified animals are known sporadically from the Old Kingdom (c. 2600–2100 BC) onward, becoming increasingly common in the New Kingdom (c. 1549–1030 BC), and then enjoying an unprecedented popularity from the Late Period (c. 660 BC) until the Christian domination (c. middle of the fourth century AD). Different types of animal mummies are found were produced in Egypt, particularly from the Late Period onward, when they number in the millions. These objects provide an insight into ancient Egyptian religious beliefs, relationship with animals, animal husbandry, the changing environment, trade, economy, medical/veterinary expertise, and scientific knowledge. Animal burials are also known from South America, but are less widespread than those found in Egypt, and tend to be naturally desiccated rather than anthropogenically prepared. Their roles seem to be slightly different to those of many of the Egyptian animal mummies, but further work on this phenomenon is needed.
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Ikram, S. (2020). Animal Mummies in Ancient Egypt and South America. In: Shin, D., Bianucci, R. (eds) The Handbook of Mummy Studies. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-1614-6_18-1
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