R_Bibb_Medical_Modelling_The_Application_of_Adv.pdf

254 Medical modelling
6.98 Axial CT image of ‘Jeni’.
recently in 1993 (7). The second mummy, called Nesperennub, had also
undergone previous X-ray investigation. However, this mummy was recently
scanned to capture better data. This CT data, specifi cally the series of scans
of the head, was used in these studies. Both mummies belong to the British
Museum.
The aim of this work was to go a step beyond viewing two-dimensional
images of the mummies and to use the data to manufacture precise physical
replicas of the mummies’ skulls. This would allow the skulls to be investigated
and handled at will without causing any damage to the original priceless
remains. Facial reconstructions could also then be performed on the
models. The more recent Nesperennub case was used for investigation into
the cause of death, reconstruction of the facial features and other artefacts
of interest for a major new exhibition at the British Museum called ‘Mummy:
the inside story’.
6.16.3 Technology
A range of advanced computer software and rapid prototyping hardware
was required to achieve accurate digital and physical models of the two