Ologies with Alie Ward

Momiology (MUMMIFICATION) Part 1 with Kara Cooney & Salima Ikram

Oct 9, 2024

Joining the conversation are Kara Cooney, a UCLA professor specializing in Egyptian art, and Salima Ikram, an Egyptology expert from the American University in Cairo. They discuss ancient mummification techniques, the significance of burial rituals, and the controversies surrounding mummies. The duo also shares amusing stories from their archaeological digs, the societal implications of mummification, and how these customs resonate today. Prepare for an intriguing dive into history, death, and ancient mysteries with these passionate experts!

52:23

Creator website

Episode guests

Salima Ikram

Kara Cooney

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Mummification in ancient Egypt was deeply intertwined with cultural beliefs about death, ensuring a smooth transition to the afterlife.

Coffins served dual purposes as protective vessels and indicators of social status, revealing intricate connections between wealth and preservation practices.

Modern scientific techniques like x-ray and CT scanning enhance the study of mummies while promoting ethical approaches to archaeological research.

Deep dives

Mommyology: Exploring Ancient Preservation Practices

Mommyology refers to the study of ancient Egyptian preservation techniques, particularly regarding mummification. The discussion highlights the social and religious significance of mummification, revealing that it was not just a means of preserving the body but also a cultural necessity for ensuring a smooth passage into the afterlife. Examples of successful mummifications underscore the varying techniques used, such as the removal of organs and the application of natron salt for desiccation. Reusing coffins due to resource constraints is also a focal point, illustrating how socioeconomic factors influenced the practices surrounding mummification.

Intro

6min

Unpacking the Legacy of Ancient Egyptian Coffins

2min

Nostalgic Reflections on Archaeological Digs in Ancient Egypt

2min

Mummification and its Mysteries

20min

Mummification: Society and Mortality

9min

Reflections on Mummification and Memory

18min

A Teaser of Mummification Mysteries and Spooktober Fun

4min

Linen wrapping. Expensive resins. Sarcophagi. Preserving for eternity – or until someone raids their tomb. It’s a brand-new Spooktober episode with not one but two guests: Dr. Salima Ikram is a professor of Egyptology and expert on mummification of both people and animals, and is joined by veteran guest from the Egyptology episode, professor and author Dr. Kara Cooney. The two chat about mummification techniques, how food studies lead into the pyramids, controversy over the word “mummy,” whiffing the dead, socioeconomic factors in mummification, animal mummies, lingering mysteries, field work, a house mouse, and more. Next week in Part 2 we’ll dive into more ethics of collections, human sacrifice, the people who ate mummified remains, paint colors, coffin engravings and the meaning of “magic.”

Visit Dr. Cooney’s website and follow her on Instagram, X, YouTube, and Facebook

Get Kara’s latest book, Recycling for Death: Coffin Reuse in Ancient Egypt and the Theban Royal Caches, and browse her other books on Amazon or Bookshop.org

Subscribe to Kara’s Substack Ancient/Now

Visit Dr. Ikram’s website and follow her on Facebook

Get Salima’s latest book, Let a Cow-Skin Be Brought: Armour, Chariots and Other Leather Remains in Tutankhamun’s Tomb, and browse her other books on Amazon or Bookshop.org

Donations went to the Yellowhammer Fund and Doctors Without Borders