A Pre-Hispanic Head

This report on a male head revealed biologic rhythms, as gleaned from hydrogen isotope ratios in hair, consistent with a South-American origin and Atomic Mass Spectrometry radiocarbon dating (AMS) compatible with the last pre-Hispanic period (1418–1491 AD, 95.4% probability). Biopsies showed exceptionally well-preserved tissues. The hair contained high levels of toxic elements (lead, arsenic and mercury) incompatible with life. There was no evidence for lead deposition in bone consistent with post-mortem accumulation of this toxic element in the hair. We propose that the high content of metals in hair was the result of metabolic activity of bacteria leading to metal complexation in extra cellular polymeric substances (EPS). This is a recognized protective mechanism for bacteria that thrive in toxic environments. This mechanism may account for the tissues preservation and gives a hint at soil composition where the head was presumably buried. Our results have implications for forensic toxicology which has, hitherto, relied on hair analyses as one means to reconstruct pre-mortem metabolism and for detecting toxic elements accumulated during life. Our finding also has implications for other archaeological specimens where similar circumstances may distort the results of toxicological studies

Virtopsy shows a high status funerary treatment in an early 18th Dynasty non-royal individual

This work presents the multidisciplinary investigation of the head of Nebiri (Museo Egizio, Turin S_5109), Chief of Stables, a high status elite person from the 18th Dynasty involving MDCT, 3D brain surface and facial reconstructions accompanied by a consideration of previously presented chemical analysis of the embalming materials found in fragments of bandages used on the head and viscera (lung) found in one of the four canopic jars. Comparison of the techniques used for the cosmetic treatment of Nebiri with those used in other elite and high status non-royal persons confirms the validity of the use of the term "high status elite" in the case of Nebiri. This case highlights the importance of using modern forensic techniques both to enhance new technologies of retrospective diagnosis on altered human remains and to increase knowledge of past populations

Immunological evidence of Plasmodium falciparum infection in an Egyptian child mummy from the Early Dynastic Period

A 15-18 months old child mummy, presently housed in Turin's Museum of Anthropology, was discovered in Gebelein (Upper Egypt) during excavations carried out by the Missione Archeologica Italiana, most likely in 1914. Atomic Mass Spectrometry radiocarbon dating indicated that the mummy belongs to the end of the Early Dynastic Period - beginning of the Old Kingdom. Whole body spiral CT scan and 3D reconstructions did not show evidence of congenital malformations or fractures. Immunochromatographic and immunohistochemical analyses on skin and muscle samples were positive for Plasmodium falciparum malaria and for Plasmodium spp. malaria. Our data provide clear evidence for the presence of P. falciparum infection in the sample we examined and show the usefulness of the immunological investigations for the detection of malaria in ancient human remains

Transmission electron microscopy of ancient scalp hair:

<p>(a) EPS on TSA n°1 hair. Note bacterial and fungal profiles; (b) EPS surrounding a bacterium on the surface of another mummy's hair, supporting the bacterial origin of the amorphous material.</p

Scanning electron microscopy appearance of the ‘wax-like’ material filling the skull:

<p>(a, b) low power and higher power; (c) micro-analytical spectrum showing accumulation of barium sulphate and lead.</p

Confocal microscopic appearance of ancient scalp hair:

<p>(a) Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) on hair surface of TSA n°1 (arrows); (b) EPS on hair surface of a naturally mummified specimen. The confocal microscopic features of these bacterial products are indistinguishable in the two specimens.</p

A South-American head now housed in Turin's Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography:

<p>(a) The specimen (TSA n° 1); (b) 3D virtual reconstruction of the head showing the fracture of the right maxilla and of the right mandibular condyle. The fractures are not communicating with the oropharinx. By inference it is unlikely that blood from the injury would have entered the trachea and caused death by ‘drowning’.</p