Heads, hands and feet
Great care was taken in preserving and wrapping all parts of the dead body. The embalmers paid particular attention to the head, hands and feet. It was important to conserve the facial features so the soul could recognise the body when it returned. Toes and fingers were also individually wrapped to ensure the nails were preserved.
Many heads and body parts were separated from their mummies and purchased in Egypt as souvenirs during the 19th century. Traded worldwide, they were displayed as curiosities in homes and museums. Little is known about the archaeological history of these pieces since they were generally excavated without any scientific method. This has made it difficult for many museums to determine the date or provenance of such material in their collections.
X-ray of mummified human hand
Date and provenance unknown
Australian Museum Collection, 1854
X-ray: J King © Australian Museum
