Abstract
A recent radiographic study of an Egyptian mummified head from the Middle Kingdom
revealed methodical mutilations of the facial skeleton that were performed after death
and prior to wrapping the corpse for burial. These mutilations consisted of removal
of the coronoid processes of the mandible and portions of the zygomas presumably via
an intraoral approach. They are unique in the archaeological record. The authors hypothesize
that the procedures were carried out to facilitate jaw opening and may be related
to a ritual known as the ‘Opening of the Mouth’ ceremony. The purpose of this study
was to demonstrate the feasibility of performing these remarkable osteotomies on two
human cadavers using instruments similar to those available to the ancient embalmer.
Bilateral osteotomies of the zygomas and coronoid processes were carried out transorally
and the bones removed. Pre- and postoperative maximal incisal opening measured 25 mm and 53 mm, respectively. Postoperative high-resolution computed tomographic (CT) scans were
obtained. Comparison of the postoperative cadaver and mummy CT scans demonstrate remarkable
similarity between the resections. Results of this study demonstrate that the ancient
skeletal mutilations could have been performed transorally during the mummification
process and would have enhanced jaw opening.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 04, 2011
Accepted:
May 26,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
