Ancient Egyptian Mummy Pa-Sheri Receives Vital Conservation Care

A mummified Egyptian named Pa-Sheri is currently undergoing vital conservation treatment at the University of Lincoln. This project aims to preserve the 2,300-year-old relic, which dates back to around 300 BCE during Egypt’s Ptolemaic period. Pa-Sheri has been housed in the collection of Derby Museums since at least 1859 and was sent to the university for essential restoration work.

Pa-Sheri is adorned with intricately painted cartonnage and a gilded mask, indicative of a high social standing in ancient Luxor. Historical records suggest that in the 19th century, many mummified remains brought to Britain were unwrapped for examination. Unfortunately, this invasive practice likely affected Pa-Sheri, as his head, pelvis, and parts of his limbs have been removed, with his arm bones rearranged within his chest cavity. The outer wrappings were reattached, concealing the extent of these alterations until X-rays revealed the truth about his condition.

Preservation Efforts and Educational Impact

Students from the Conservation of Cultural Heritage program, including Ella Maude and Ella Monteiro, are actively involved in the preservation of Pa-Sheri, guided by senior technician Josephine Mackenzie. This conservation initiative is funded by the Pilgrim Trust. Instead of attempting to restore Pa-Sheri to an imagined original state, the team is employing a minimal intervention approach. Their goal is to stabilize damaged areas while preserving the evidence of his unique post-mortem journey.

The conservation work includes consolidating flaking plaster and paint layers, gently cleaning fragile surfaces, and replacing aged supports beneath Pa-Sheri’s mask with more durable materials. Ella Maude expressed her deep connection to 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.”

Maude emphasized the importance of respecting Pa-Sheri’s original context while acknowledging the history that has followed him. She hopes that their efforts will help safeguard his continued afterlife and enable his story to be shared with a wider audience.

Insights into Ancient Craftsmanship

The project also reveals insights into ancient craftsmanship and the impact of Victorian-era practices. Through polarised light microscopy, the team has identified vibrant pigments such as Egyptian Blue, orpiment yellow, and both red and yellow ochres. Furthermore, UV light analysis has uncovered the use of animal glue during the 19th-century reassembly process.

Josephine Mackenzie commented on the educational aspects 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.”

Mackenzie underlined the team’s commitment to preserving Pa-Sheri with the utmost respect for his original cultural context, while also acknowledging the alterations made over the years. By adopting a careful, minimal-intervention approach, they aim to safeguard the object’s integrity while retaining evidence of its lengthy historical journey.

Upon completion of the conservation process, Pa-Sheri will return to Derby Museums and will be displayed alongside another mummified individual. Laura Phillips, head of curatorship at Derby Museums, expressed her satisfaction with the ongoing partnership: “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 whilst this essential conservation takes place, we know he is in safe and caring hands.”

Derby Museums is dedicated to promoting skill sharing and career development opportunities, supporting students in engaging with their collections through partnerships like this. The ongoing conservation of Pa-Sheri not only preserves a significant historical artifact but also enriches the educational experience for those involved in the project.