Appearance and reality in ancient Egyptian votive animal mummies

The application of non-invasive imaging techniques to wrapped mummified remains from ancient Egypt is wellattested, with mummified animals produced as votive offerings being no exception. In order to fully investigate their production and purpose, imaging data alone is insufficient, mainly due to the wide range of species mummified and the variations witnessed in bundle contents. This research note describes a large multi-disciplinary research project combining traditional macroscopic and radiographic analysis with 3D visualisation and replication techniques to allow for improved identification of bundle contents. Once bundle contents are established enabling validation of mummy types (true or pseudo) against perceived identifications as detailed in museum records, quantitative analysis will identify patterns in the dataset.