OBSERVATION ON HAIR SHAFTS OF SOME ROYAL MUMMIES IN THE EGYPTIAN MUSEUMS

Archaeological studies always seek for understanding history and draw right pictures about the life in the past in the different civilizations. Consequently, varieties of sciences are applied in these studies to extract the historical information. Hence this study investigated hair samples that were taken from four royal mummies with the aim of obtaining reliable information about the materials used in embalming, health status of these mummies, their age, and hair color that affects its composition. A variety of analytical techniques were applied in this study; digital microscope, polarizing optical microscope, environmental scanning electron microscope coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray unit, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography, and Raman spectroscopy analysis. The results showed the significance of hair in biomonitoring health status and determining age. Besides, it was proved that mastic resin has been used in embalming as early as the Second Intermediate Period especially for royal mummies.