CT Scans Reveal New Details About Wichita Mummy

Researchers analyze the Braided Lady mummy at the Museum of World Treasures to uncover insights about her health.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Nutrition

A bundle of aged, wrapped linen textiles rests on a limestone pedestal in a dimly lit museum gallery. — Researchers at the Museum of World Treasures in Wichita used new CT scans to reveal internal organ remnants and dental decay in the Braided Lady mummy. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Is it ethically appropriate for researchers to perform invasive CT scans on ancient human remains?

A study published on June 30, 2026, details new CT scan findings regarding the Braided Lady mummy currently residing at the Museum of World Treasures in Wichita. The analysis uncovered internal organ remnants and significant dental issues that provide clues about the individual's life.

Why it matters

Understanding the internal preservation and health conditions of historical remains helps researchers bridge gaps between physical evidence and the broader history of individuals from Egypt. This study highlights how modern medical imaging allows experts to examine ancient mummies without disturbing their remains.

Researchers utilized CT scans with slices one-fortieth of an inch thick to examine the remains, reviewing findings against a pool of 189 previously studied mummies. The investigation remains limited by the lack of radiocarbon dating records for the individual.

The players

Museum of World Treasures

This facility located in Wichita houses the Braided Lady mummy and provides access for ongoing historical and medical research.

Radiology Case Reports

This peer-reviewed medical journal serves as the platform for publishing detailed clinical and imaging studies, including this retrospective analysis.

IMPACT Radiological Mummy Database

This specialized resource collects and archives high-resolution medical imaging data of mummified remains to assist global scientific researchers.

The details

The scans confirmed that embalmers did not remove the brain, leaving dried matter inside the skull. Further examination revealed the presence of liver remnants, along with severe periodontal disease, a broken tooth, and one tooth displaced toward the throat.

The mummy left Egypt in 1860.
A study regarding brain treatment in royal mummies occurred in 2013.
A study concerning teeth wear in Two Brothers mummies was conducted in 2019.
The study findings were published in Radiology Case Reports on June 30, 2026.

The Big Picture

This study adds to the growing body of knowledge facilitated by the IMPACT Radiological Mummy Database, which allows scientists to compare preservation techniques across diverse collections. The research extends the scope of understanding regarding ancient health and funerary practices beyond previously established datasets.

While this study focuses on ancient remains, the advanced imaging techniques used can help the general public understand the depth of information detectable through modern medical scans. Residents of Wichita can view the mummy at the museum to see how these scientific methods reveal the secrets of the past.

The takeaway

This analysis demonstrates that non-invasive medical imaging is a powerful tool for unraveling mysteries about ancient lives without causing damage. Readers interested in history can appreciate how modern technology is changing the way we document and study the distant past.