New tests may determine whether Conn. museum’s Egyptian mummy had gift for the gods in belly

Tests may shed light on Conn. museum’s Egypt mummy

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — Connecticut researchers are using the latest imaging technology on an Egyptian mummy to try to unlock secrets of the ancient world, including whether a mysterious packet inside her was an offering to the gods to help secure a place in the afterlife.

The high-resolution testing Thursday at Quinnipiac (KWIHN’-uh-pee-ak) University also may determine the age at which the woman died and whether she gave birth.

The mummy is known as Pa-Ib (py eeb) and is believed to be about 4,000 years old. She’s being transported in a coffin complete with a police escort from the Barnum Museum in Bridgeport to the university’s campus in North Haven.

Researchers are trying to determine if bundles in the abdomen and pelvis cavities contain a bird mummy or are organs.