A 2,300-year-old Egyptian mummy is receiving essential conservation treatment at the University of Lincoln. Known as Pa-Sheri, this mummified individual lived around 300 BCE during Egypt’s Ptolemaic period. He has been part of the collection at Derby Museums since at least 1859 and is currently undergoing repairs and preservation as part of a significant conservation project.
Pa-Sheri is notable for his intricately painted cartonnage and a gilded mask, indicating that he held a high social status in ancient Luxor. Unfortunately, during the 19th century, it was common practice for mummies brought to Britain to be unwrapped. This invasive treatment appears to have affected Pa-Sheri, as his head, pelvis, and parts of his limbs have been removed. His arm bones have also been rearranged into his chest cavity, and the reattachment of the outer wrappings concealed these alterations until recent X-rays revealed the extent of the changes.
Conservation Efforts and Educational Opportunities
Conservation of Cultural Heritage students Ella Maude and Ella Monteiro are actively involved in the project, guided by senior technician Josephine Mackenzie. This conservation initiative is supported by funding from the Pilgrim Trust. The team is following a minimal intervention approach, focusing on stabilizing areas of damage rather than restoring Pa-Sheri to an imagined original state. Their work includes consolidating flaking plaster and paint layers, cleaning fragile surfaces with gentle techniques, and replacing aged supports beneath Pa-Sheri’s mask with more durable materials.
Ella Maude expressed her sentiments about the project, stating, “Working on Pa-Sheri has been a very personal and humbling experience. His journey has been long, and to conserve him is to become a part of his story. The work we are doing with Derby Museums ensures his legacy lives on and his story continues to be shared with the world.” She emphasized that the aim is to protect Pa-Sheri as he is now, respecting both his original context and the complex history that has unfolded since his removal from his burial site.
Insights into Ancient Craftsmanship
The conservation project is also providing valuable insights into ancient Egyptian craftsmanship and the impact of 19th-century practices. Through polarised light microscopy, the team has identified vibrant pigments including Egyptian Blue, orpiment yellow, and both red and yellow ochres. Additionally, UV light analysis has revealed the use of animal glue during the mummy’s reassembly in the Victorian era.
Josephine Mackenzie highlighted the significance of the project, stating, “This project has offered the students a unique opportunity to engage with a complex conservation challenge. Pa-Sheri represents a rare case study, illuminating not only the materials and techniques of his period but also the evolving history of collecting and conservation practices.” She noted the importance of preserving Pa-Sheri with the utmost respect, acknowledging both his original cultural context and the ways in which his story has been reframed over time. By adopting this careful, minimal-intervention approach, the team aims to safeguard the object’s integrity while retaining the evidence of its lengthy historical journey.
Following the conservation efforts, Pa-Sheri will return to Derby Museums and will be displayed alongside another mummified individual, further enriching the museum’s collection. Laura Phillips, head of curatorship at Derby Museums, remarked, “It has been a pleasure continuing our long-term partnership with the team and students at Lincoln. Arranging the appropriate care for Pa-Sheri is a challenge, and while this essential conservation takes place, we know he is in safe and caring hands.” She added that Derby Museums is committed to promoting skill sharing and career development opportunities, ensuring that students can engage with their collections through partnerships like this.
Overall, the conservation of Pa-Sheri not only preserves a vital piece of history but also enhances public understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and the evolving practices of conservation.
