Shrew Mummy
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
Shrews and ichneumons both prey on snakes and therefore won the Egyptians’ admiration and worship. Though snakes could turn their powers to protecting kings and queens, serpents also threatened the sun god Re on his journey through the next world. Egyptian religion made room for both the positive and negative aspects of certain animals.
The shrew mummy bundle shows that more than one animal was sometimes included in one package.
The shrew mummy bundle shows that more than one animal was sometimes included in one package.
MEDIUM
Animal remains (Crocidura flavescens, C. nana, C. olivieri, or C. religiosa), linen
DATES
30 B.C.E. – 50 C.E.
PERIOD
Early Roman Period
DIMENSIONS
1 1/4 × 8 9/16 × 1 3/8 in. (3.2 × 21.7 × 3.5 cm) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
ACCESSION NUMBER
14.653
CREDIT LINE
Gift of the Egypt Exploration Fund
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Small mummified shrew wrapped spirally in brown and natural color linen. Eyes in relief.
Condition: General condition excellent, linen somewhat dirty.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Shrew Mummy, 30 B.C.E. – 50 C.E. Animal remains (Crocidura flavescens, C. nana, C. olivieri, or C. religiosa), linen, 1 1/4 × 8 9/16 × 1 3/8 in. (3.2 × 21.7 × 3.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Egypt Exploration Fund, 14.653. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 14.653_PS2.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 14.653_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2008
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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