Mummies of the World Unite!
Largest exhibit of mummies now traveling the U.S.
I held my breath as we made it to the front of the line. My heart was pounding with apprehension. I was about to enter the World of Mummies!
Mummies of the World made its World Premiere on July 1, 2010. Since then, it has become one of the most successful paid exhibits at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. I was given an exclusive tour of the exhibit by Jarrod Miller-Dean, California Science Center Communications coordinator.
Inside the exhibit, it was grave and eerie at times. Though there were many people inside the museum with me, I felt very alone.
Soon, I realized that the mummies weren’t so scary after all. They were displayed with dignity and respect and that came across in the exhibition.
The exhibition includes 45 human and animal mummies. They come from museums in South America, Europe, Oceania, Asia, and Egypt.
“We want people to understand that mummies don’t come just from Ancient Egypt,” said Diane Perlov, California Science Center senior vice president for exhibits. “We also want people to learn more about science tools that let scientists study mummies without destroying them.”
Jarrod pointed out to me that many mummies in the exhibit are natural mummies. The Detmold Child, a Peruvian child mummy that dates to 6,420 years ago, really grabbed my attention. I could see what it looked like when it died.
I asked Ms. Perlov which mummy she thought was the most fascinating.
“To me, one of the most fascinating ones are the mummies from Hungary,” she replied. “For example, the Orlovits Family, who suffered from tuberculosis.”
Michael, Veronica, and son Johannes Orlovits were 18th century mummies found in a church in Hungary. I thought they were interesting because they were wearing their “Sunday best,” or their church clothes.
Mummies of the World fascinated me. I devoured every bit of information I could. I came out of the exhibition feeling awed and amazed. I realized that what we know about mummies isn't all in the past. What we have learned through mummies may help us eliminate deadly diseases in the future.
“Scientists can go inside the mummies and extract the DNA,” said Diane Perlov. “Then they can try to find some medicine that is resistant to diseases like tuberculosis.”
Mummies of the World began a three-year tour in the U.S. this month. Check out www.mummiesoftheworld.com for more information.
You can also check out my video interview with Ms. Perlov, which includes a closer look at some of the actual mummies!
PHOTO: The Detmold Child is a naturally preserved Peruvian child mummy. (Photo Courtesy American Exhibitions, Inc.)
That is truly fascinating! I always thought of mummies being from Egypt. That is interesting how they can be from other areas, as well.
Posted by: Matthew | 01/22/2011 at 12:01 PM
WOW ! I am impressed by your talents. I'm amazed with how professional you are in front of the camera ! I learned a lot from your interview and your blog. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Sue Gan | 01/22/2011 at 05:51 PM
Good work ! This is such a neat experience you were able to have.
Posted by: Andy | 02/06/2011 at 11:50 AM
What an interesting story! I don't think I've ever heard that mummies can come from all over the world. Those pictures were really cool and your professionalism and confidence in front of people just awed me. I'm glad you posted such an educational and fun blog story! It was so fun to read and watch the interview clip. Like you, I find mummification and other similar historical items very interesting.
Keep on writing Cassandra!
Posted by: Jy | 02/06/2011 at 04:39 PM
Nice work Cassy. :) Keep it up!
Posted by: Ephrem | 02/10/2011 at 08:47 PM