Divine Creatures: Year One Highlights from the British Museum’s Animal Mummies Project
- Enrico Braglia
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
In 2024, the British Museum launched Divine Creatures, a major research initiative supported by an Augmentum grant. This two-and-a-half-year project is the first comprehensive study of the Museum’s large collection of ancient Egyptian animal mummies. The following summary outlines the project’s progress during its first year.
A dedicated team of curatorial, scientific, and conservation specialists was assembled to lead the programme. This structure ensures that research, analysis, and preservation efforts are fully integrated across the Museum’s departments.
Imaging the Collection
Non-invasive imaging has been central to the research programme. Over the past year:
278 animal mummies were X-rayed
41 mummies were CT scanned at the Museum and the Royal Brompton Hospital
These images reveal details such as species, age at death, body position, and mummification techniques. They also help identify unusual or particularly well-preserved examples for further study.
Radiocarbon Dating
Radiocarbon analysis is helping establish a clear chronological framework for the collection. 97 samples have been submitted for dating, with initial results indicating that most animal mummification activity occurred during the late first millennium BC.
These findings will be integrated with imaging and chemical analysis to better understand regional and temporal variations in mummification practices.
Collaborative Research
The project has established ongoing collaboration with external museums, academic institutions, and subject specialists. These partnerships support species identification, analytical techniques, and comparative research with other collections.
Members of the team have shared initial results at international conferences, strengthening links with the broader research community.
Conservation and Condition Assessment
A full conservation survey of nearly 400 mummified animals was completed during the first year. Many objects had not previously undergone systematic conservation assessment.
Key conservation activities included:
Cleaning and stabilising fragile surfaces
Securing loose or damaged wrappings
Constructing custom archival supports for safe handling and storage
Preparing selected objects for imaging, display, or loan
Conservation work has also provided detailed insights into ancient textile reuse, wrapping methods, and construction techniques
Analysis of Embalming Materials
Chemical analysis of embalming substances began in mid-2025. Samples from dozens of objects were collected and examined using molecular and spectroscopic techniques.Preliminary results indicate the use of a range of organic materials, including plant resins, waxes, oils, and other compounds commonly associated with ancient mummification. Further sampling, bitumen screening, and molecular interpretation are planned for the next stage of the project
Plans for Year Two
The next phase of the project will include:
Stable isotope analysis to determine the origins and management of the animals
Additional radiocarbon dating
Further CT imaging sessions
Continued chemical analysis and cross-comparison of datasets
These activities will support future publications, interpretation, and exhibition development.
Conclusion
The first year of Divine Creatures has delivered substantial advances in research, conservation, and scientific understanding. Through integrated analysis and international collaboration, the British Museum is deepening knowledge of ancient Egyptian animal mummification and enhancing the long-term care of its collection.
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