Anthropological investigations of coptic monks mumies from St. Mark monastery in Gournet Mar Eï Nord (Upper Egypt)

Abstract

Three mummies found by mission oi l'Institut Francais d'Archeologie Orientale in Cairo with the cooperation of the authors are described in this paper. These mummics belonged to Coptic monks buried in accordance with obliging ritual (leathern aprons, bands, bandages and shrouds).
It is noteworthy that form and way of preparation and protection of corpses show many traditional for this territory elements. Corpses were embalmed mainly with salt. without: any traces of introduction of conserving substances into the body. This way of mummification did not protect bodies against invasion of arthropods, their remains are found on the surface of mummics. Those animals have damaged also a considerable part of soft tissues oi mummies nr 3 (1973) and 1 (1972).
Examined mummies belonged to caucasoids with typological characters peculiar for Mediterranean region with an admixture of oriental component. These men did not belong to local clement, they had immigrated there probably from northern Egypt. Age at death of the individuals under question was between 35 and 55 years. On ground of state of preserved nails on fingers and toes as well as characteristic of skin on heels c.t.e. may be concluded that these monks have been working al least partly. without footwear.
It is impossible to determine the cause of death, except mummy nr 2. In this case, death was violent — there are traces of injury on the head. This individual was prepared for burial, or even buried, still alive.
One have to assume that in accordance with customs which obliged in Egypt, corpses have been buried immediately alter death — this is understandable if one takes into account climatic conditions. Preparation of mummies was limited to preservation with salt, pulverized herbs. sand and wrapping in shrouds strengthened by bandages and bands.