A recent study published by the British newspaper “Evening Standard” revealed the true contents of ancient Egyptian animal coffins sealed using a non-invasive technique known as “neutron tomography”.
Researchers from the British Museum said that the mummification of animals was a widespread practice in ancient Egypt, and that previous research indicated that some mummified animals were believed to be physical embodiments of the gods, and others may have made offerings to the gods or were used in ritual offerings.
The newspaper pointed out in its report, that Daniel O’Flynn and colleagues in charge of the study from the British Museum, used neutron tomography – a technique that produces images of objects based on how well the neutrons emitted from the source can pass through them – examined the contents, and using a non-invasive technique, they found that All coffins are made of copper compounds.
The results demonstrated the effectiveness of neutron tomography for studying the mummified remains inside sealed metal containers, and provide evidence linking the animal figures represented on top of the votive boxes and the hidden remains.
The researchers revealed that the linen may have been wrapped around the animals before being placed in the coffins. Lead was discovered inside the coffins without rings and found that it may have been used to help distribute the weight within two of them and repair a hole found in the other.