Forensic techniques help give a mummy a face
FREE Catholic Classes
A mummy called Kent, dated from the 18th dynasty of Egypt, was given a face through the application of forensic techniques.
Highlights
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
9/10/2015 (9 years ago)
Published in Technology
Keywords: Mummy, Kent, Egypt, Forensic Techniques, Face, Reconstruction
MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - Experts have reconstructed his face without having to remove the bandages, which could risk the deformation of Kent's remains. Because the bandages were left over his head, his hair length and style were designed according to his most probable status during his time.
Forensic anthropologist Dr. Matteo Borrini, who is also a lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University, applied forensic techniques including scanning to produce an exact copy of the mummy's skull without loosening the bandages that holds the ancient remains together.
Kent is believed to have lived at the XVII Dynasty of Ancient Egypt and could have witnessed the times of Tutankhamen or Nefertiti, experts say.
The CT scan shows he have died around the age of 50-years.
"The research allows us to use forensic investigation techniques for archaeological purposes to sketch the portrait of men who died millennia ago. The bust I made presents the scientific methodology in a language compatible with the needs of the museum and in harmony with the other artifacts on display," said Dr. Borrini. By cross-referencing the skeletal structures of the skull, he was able to calculate the shape of the mummy's face.
Together with Professor Donatella Lippi from the University of Florence and the Dr. Maria Cristina Guidotti, Director of the Egyptian Museum, Dr. Borrini came up with the hair design which cannot be deduced from the anatomical remains.
They believe that Kent, the oldest mummy at the Museum of Florence, was either a priest or a dignitary during his life so they took the appropriate styles into account in the designs.
The reconstruction was shown at the International Congress of Egyptologists.
The XVIII Dynasty is probably the most famous era for Ancient Egypt as its most prominent rulers lived during that time.
---
'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'
Copyright 2021 - Distributed by Catholic Online
Join the Movement
When you sign up below, you don't just join an email list - you're joining an entire movement for Free world class Catholic education.

Novena for Pope Francis | FREE PDF Download
-
- Easter / Lent
- Ascension Day
- 7 Morning Prayers
- Mysteries of the Rosary
- Litany of the Bl. Virgin Mary
- Popular Saints
- Popular Prayers
- Female Saints
- Saint Feast Days by Month
- Stations of the Cross
- St. Francis of Assisi
- St. Michael the Archangel
- The Apostles' Creed
- Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony
- Pray the Rosary

St. Athanasius of Alexandria: Defender of the Faith and Pillar of Orthodoxy

Teresian Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, Oldest Person in the World, Dies at 116 After a Life of Faith and Service

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi: Rising Papabile Amid Concerns over Doctrine, Liturgy, and Influence
Daily Catholic
Daily Readings for Saturday, May 03, 2025
St. James the Lesser: Saint of the Day for Saturday, May 03, 2025
Prayer before Starting on a Journey: Prayer of the Day for Saturday, May 03, 2025
Daily Readings for Friday, May 02, 2025
St. Athanasius: Saint of the Day for Friday, May 02, 2025
- The Our Father: Prayer of the Day for Friday, May 02, 2025
Copyright 2025 Catholic Online. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, © Copyright 2025 Catholic Online. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited.
Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.