First paleoparasitological study of an embalming rejects jar found in Saqqara, Egypt

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 2003:98 Suppl 1:119-21. doi: 10.1590/s0074-02762003000900017.

Abstract

For the first time, a jar of embalming rejects was studied in search for helminth parasite eggs. This kind of jar was used to put discarded material by Egyptian embalmers during mummification process. Ascaris lumbricoides and Taenia saginata eggs were found in the linen and strip fragment contents of the jar, dated of 2,715-2,656 years ago.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ascaris / isolation & purification*
  • Egypt
  • Embalming / instrumentation*
  • Humans
  • Mummies / parasitology*
  • Paleopathology
  • Taenia / isolation & purification*