The SEAMS project investigates the bandage weaves of votive animal mummies to understand whether they could be markers of specific periods and places and scrutinize the potential meanings of the recurring wrapping patterns. The study also provides a thorough insight into manufacturing processes and evaluates the economic impact of the votive animal mummy industry.
In doing so, the SEAMS project further contributes to creating new knowledge on votive animal mummies, raises public awareness on the importance of animals in Antiquity and addresses the hitherto largely overlooked ethical issue of how to approach of animal remains.
Project Objectives
- highlight the recurring wrapping patterns, group them into types and for each develop a consistent terminology
- recognize the distinctive features of regional wrapping styles
- understand whether the stylistic variations could be linked to specific ateliers and/or date ranges
- provide a comprehensive insight into the wrapping manufacture
- evaluate the economic weight of the wrapping chaîne opératoire
- contribute to the advancement of the state-of-the-art in the animal mummies field
- transmit knowledge about votive animal mummies to a wide range of users
- raise public awareness on the ethics of the display of animal remains
