The civilization ancient Egyptian is known for its elaborate burial practices, and one of the most intriguing is mummification.
Recently, researchers were able to recreate the perfume used in mummification de Senetnay, one of the members of the kingdom of Pharaoh Amenhotep II, who ruled Egypt 3,500 years ago.
see more
Lost 4,400-year-old tomb found in Egypt; She belonged to…
See the importance of 'Third Place' to combat…
In this article, we will explore the discovery of this unique aroma and its significance in the practice of mummification. Keep reading!
Perfume residue was discovered in jars containing the mummified organs of Senetnay, found in tomb KV42 in Luxor. She was the young man's wet nurse Pharaoh Amenhotep II, which gave him an important position in the Egyptian court.
The international team of researchers, in collaboration with a perfumer and a sensory museologist, used advanced techniques to recreate the substance based on balms discovered in two of the jars canopies.
(Image: Bárbara Huber/Reproduction)
The balms used in Senetnay's mummification contained a complex mixture of ingredients, including beeswax, vegetable oil, fats, bitumen, balsamic substances and plant resins of the family Pinaceae.
This unique combination of ingredients reveals the sophistication of mummification practices and the extensive trade routes of Ancient Egypt.
The “perfume of eternity” is not just a fragrance, but also carries a deep cultural, historical and spiritual meaning from the burial practices of that ancient civilization.
It represents the respect and reverence accorded to individuals of high social standing, such as Senetnay, who played crucial roles in Egyptian history.
Furthermore, analysis of the balsam's ingredients revealed the surprising trade connections of the Egyptians in the second millennium BC. W.
They imported resin from the coniferous tree Larix, probably from the northern Mediterranean, and Dammar gum, possibly from the tropical forests of Southeast Asia.
Such a discovery suggests that trade and cultural interaction were much more complex than previously thought. The “perfume of eternity” is more than a fragrance; it is a direct link to the glorious past of Ancient Egypt.
Recreating this aroma allows visitors to an upcoming exhibition at the Moesgaard Museum in Denmark to experience a fascinating part of history.
The research also highlights the complexity of mummification practices and the extensive trade networks that connected Ancient Egypt to the world.
Senetnay and its perfume are now a window into a distant past that continues to surprise and delight us.
