Los Angeles Musem's Exhibit of CT-Scanned Mummies Will Shed Light on Ancient Culture and Fashion

The Los Angeles National History Museum will be hosting an exhibit titled "Mummies: New Secrets From the Tombs" on Sept. 18. The exhibit will feature CT-scanned mummies to reveal what really lies underneath the intricate wrappings of the mummified ancient artifacts.

US News reported on Sunday the organizers of the Los Angeles exhibit did not cut open any specimen from their reported collection of almost two dozen mummmies from Peru and Egypt, except one that required immediate repair due to significant damage caused by someone who examined it a hundred years ago.

All the mummies, including the damaged artifact, will be on display at the Los Angeles Museum and other museums across the U.S.

The mummies underwent a full-body CT scan to take a non-invasive look at what's underneath their coverings. Through this the exhibitors discovered different clothings and hairstyles worn by ancient people from 2,000 to 5,000 years ago. In addition, it was also found out that these ancient people brought with them to their grave some jewelries and memorabilia. 

"The latter period is more heavy on the bling," said exhibition curator JP Brown jokingly.

According to Ancient Egypt on their webpage, the ancient Egyptians preferred to be buried with their jewelries on as these could be used and enjoyed in the afterlife. Such jewelries include the necklaces, bracelets and rings which the deceased wore when they were still living while the other items were crafted just for their burial.

The CT-scans not only shed light on the material trends enjoyed by ancient people, but also their social status and physical conditions. One mummy was found to have only two teeth remaining in her oral cavity and suffered from spine arthritis and hardened arteries.

"This is telling you something about what a toll working in an agrarian society took on you," said Brown.

The Los Angeles Musem's ground floor area has been divided into two tomb-like sections representing ancient Egypt and Peru to showcase the similarities and differences of each culture.

The CT-scanned mummies will be on display at the Los Angeles National History Museum until Jan. 18 next year before they are transferred to Denver and other cities. After this series of exhibits, the mummies will be returned to the field museum to be part of the largest mummy collection in the U.S.