| Pahat Human Mummy | |
| |
| Biographical Information | |
|---|---|
| Name(s) | Pahat |
| Age | 50-55 years (at time of death) |
| Sex | Male |
| Status | Mummified Priest |
| Height | Unknown |
| Source | |
| Culture | Egyptian |
| Date(s) | c. 230-250 B.C. |
| Site | Akhim |
| Current Location | |
| Location | Berkshire Museum (Pittsfield, Massachusetts) |
| Catalog # | |
An Egyptian priest, Pahat is believed to have lived in the Ptolemic period somewhere between 230-250 B.C. He lived in the ancient Egyptian town Ipu, now known as Akhmim, located about 300 miles south of Cairo. Pahat was the son of a priest, and also had a son of his own, Shep-en-min, who like his father and grandfather held the occupation of a priest. All three men served the temple icon of Min, a local Egyptian god of harvest and fertility. Pahat's son died at age 30; the only evidence of injury found is a severely broken thigh bone. Pahat is believed to have lived to the age of 50-55 years, but his cause of death remains undetermined.
Mummification[]
With the help of modern forensic science and technology, specialists have created a three-dimensional re-construction of Pahat's head, on display at Berkshire Museum. The mummy is nearly 2,300 years old and available to view at the previously reopened Ancient Civilizations gallery. His facial reconstruction reveals an older, clean shaven male with Caucasian facial features. The forensic sculptor added no skin pigment or eye colour since these traits are undetermined. Pahat's bones and teeth date back to 230-250 B.C. The excavation site of Akhim contains a vast necropolis from which dozens of mummies were taken and sold during the 1880s. Researchers also determined Pahat's relationship to the mummy of Shep-en-min by reading the hierogylphs on the mummies' almost identical coffins. Pahat was previously scanned in 1984 along with 18 other mummies by the consortium in order to better understand the ancient population of Akhmim. The Egyptologist studying Pahat now believes, based on ocular tissue, that the mummy's eyes are different than the bust currently on display, and a second model is in the process of being made.
Pathology[]
Pahat had some broken bones that occurred post-mortem, likely from grave robbers, and showed signs of arthritis.
Additional Info[]
Pahat's son, Shep-en-min rests nearly two hours away from his father. The Berkshire Museum is hoping to expand the current exhibit to contain CT images of Pahat and his son along with more detailed biographies.
External Links[]
http://berkshiremuseum.org/ http://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/berkshire-museum-puts-a-face-on-its-mummy,45859