AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF MAGICAL WAX FIGURINES FOUND IN THE MUMMY OF TJANEFER FROM THE THIRD INTERMEDIATE ERA USING CT SCANNING AS A NON-DESTRUCTIVE TOOL.

Abstract

: This paper aims to explore the discovery of magical wax figures in the mummy of Tjanefer from the third intermediate era, and the insights obtained through the use of advanced methods such as CT scanning and Gas Chromatographic analysis. Through these methods, researcher has been able to uncover the various techniques used by ancient Egyptian embalmers to mummify bodies, including the use of wax figurines to protect the internal organs of the deceased. Computed Axial Tomography (CT) scan was an essential tool in the non-destructive detection of archaeological findings inside Egyptian mummies, enabling scholars to determine the methods used by embalmers in mummification operations. In this research, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Gas chromatography GC/MAS, and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used in addition to a CT scan to analyze the data related to the function of these figurines and to examine some samples of the materials used in making them. The results of these analyses provided valuable insights into the religious beliefs and funerary practices of ancient Egyptians, particularly with respect to the role of wax figurines in these practices. The examination of the CT scan of Tjanefer's mummy revealed that the mummification process adhered to the traditional Egyptian practice of removing internal organs, embalming them separately, and then returning them to the body cavity. The discovery of four wax statues representing the four sons of Horus within the body cavity suggests that these figurines were believed to have a protective role for the deceased in the afterlife. The analysis of the wax samples revealed that the production of these figurines likely did not require highly skilled craftsmanship. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the wax sample was impure with resins in a neutral mixture, suggesting that the production was of good quality..