The curious color known as Caledonian Brown was created of ground up mummy bits. Also sometimes called Egyptian Brown or just plain Mummy.
Mummia or Mumia was ground up mummy that was usually used as a tea or eaten directly. Ground up mummy was thought to cure many diseases.
The royal elite used to purchase mummies and hold unwrapping sessions. These sessions were much akin to public displays of anatomical studies in medical. Doctor Pettigrew at the Royal College of Surgeons would often hold many of these viewings.
Because mummies were viewed as an inexhaustible supply they often gained new purposes. In the mid to late 1800’s it was believed that mummy wrappings could prove to be a cheap affordable linen for paper. This might be because mummies can be found wrapped in hundreds of yards of linen.
Here is something practical. Mummies are used for a number of scientific studies. Most of the studies are anthropological in nature but some are also based upon forensic investigation.
A follow through on the scientific study. Enough biological material has now been collected so as to be able to clone a “healthy” mummy from 2600 b.c.
Parts of the mummy such as the liver, lungs, stomach, or intestines. Each organ was placed into a different canopic jar. One with the head of Horus, Duamutif, Hapy, Quebehsenuf and Imetsy. Each god served a different purpose to the organ. The organs separated from the mummy were thought to be ancient items of power.
The egyptians were known to mummify both cats and falcons. In a new twist you too can mummify your own pet. Summum offers a pet mummification service for a cost of $4000-$100,000.
What would a classic horror movie be without the mummy? The mummy has proven to be a reliable source for terror and suspense. The Mummy first appeared in 1932.
The terrifying curse of the mummy. The curse of the mummy gained great popularity with the discovery of King Tutankhamun. Many coincidental accidents and deaths gave fuel to the curse. Since then the curse has proven as ample protection from some grave robbers.
No it wasn’t a glacier that sunk the titanic it was The Curse of the Egyptian Princess of Amen-Ra. The mummy was removed from its case and sent to sea. Titanic passenger Frederic Kimber Seward blamed the mummy for the sinking of the ship as well as others. The mummy’s case is still in the British museum.
Even today mummies are invaluable. Such as lot 239 at the I M Chait auctions and gallery. An authentic egyptian mummy hand sold for $3750.
When the great mummy rush of 1586 started one could purchase it by the pound. This was done in much the same way as we would now buy or sell mulch.
Stage magicians would often keep a mummy on hand for publicity. Often times the mummy may have even made it into the egyptians act.
The mummified cats were used as fertilizer. It was believed that they gave the crops an extra bit of luster.
The cases mummies came in would make great fire wood. Arabs would often use them to start fires. The people of thebes would sometimes use them to heat ovens. On occasion an arm or leg may have been used to light the way in a dark tomb.
King Charles II would rub ground up mummy powder on his skin. He believed this powder would give him the powers of the ancient Pharaohs.
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