Radiological identification of an ibis mummy

Abstract

X-rays of the mummy were taken and cornpared with those of the craniums of three species of the Threskiornithidae farnily (Threskiornis aethiopicus, Plegadis falcinellus and Geronticus eremita). It was concluded that the mummy was of a Threskiornis aethiopicus (Sacred ibis). Radiology is a useful tool in the identification and study of murnrnified animals, especially of species which are genetically and morphologically close. It is a non-invasive technique that does not imply alteration or destruction of the archaeological piece studied.