Members from the young explorers group at the Bournemouth Natural Science Society (BNSS) paid a visit to Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital to experience a CT scan performed on an ancient Egyptian Ibis bird mummy.
The mummy, which was brought to the hospital by the BNSS, has been a part of the museum’s collections since 1922. Five children from the young explorers group were lucky enough to attend Nuffield Health to see a CT scan undertaken on the ancient artefact, as well as having the opportunity to learn about the CT scan equipment and how it works.
Head of radiology at Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital, Dr Ravi Ayer, was instrumental in instigating the partnership between the hospital and the BNSS. He said: “I visited the Bournemouth Natural Science Society recently with my son and was amazed at the wonderful collections they have. When looking at the Egyptian collection I instantly thought of my profession and wondered what it would be like to use our CT scanner at Nuffield Health on something other than a living human being.
“After chatting to the team at the museum, it was agreed they’d bring the Ibis bird to the hospital so we could discover what lay beneath the cloth of the mummy. Thank you to the BNSS for this opportunity, it was a fascinating process to be a part of and it was great to see this fusion between modern day technology and the ancient world.”
Pam Field from the Bournemouth Natural Science Society said: “Our young explorers were incredibly excited to be a part of this truly unique afternoon with Nuffield Health. Very few people can say they’ve had the opportunity to see inside the remains of an ancient mummy! And as well as this, the children got to learn more from Dr Ayer about the process of CT scanning which was captivating for them.”
The ancient Egyptians mummified animals for various reasons including: religious, to act as offerings to the gods, to provide food in the afterlife and to allow beloved pets to go to the afterlife. The mummified animals were also seen as physical manifestations of certain gods worshipped by the Egyptians.