Imagine standing before an ancient jar, its contents whispering secrets of a civilization that thrived 3,500 years ago. From the depths of Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, the mummification balms of Senetnay, a noblewoman of the 18th dynasty, have been resurrected—not just as historical artifacts but as a scent that encapsulates eternity. This extraordinary discovery offers a sensory journey into ancient Egyptian rituals, connecting modern audiences to the distant past through the power of aroma. What stories lie within the “scent of the afterlife”?
Senetnay and Her Place in History
Senetnay, a prominent figure during Egypt’s 18th dynasty around 1450 BCE, held a significant position in society, likely as a noblewoman or priestess. Her mummification was conducted with exceptional care, symbolizing her importance. Excavated by famed archaeologist Howard Carter over a century ago, her canopic jars—used to store embalmed organs—were found in Tomb KV42 in the Valley of the Kings.

These jars, made of limestone, contained residues of the balms used in Senetnay’s embalming process. Preserved for thousands of years, these remnants offered a rare glimpse into the meticulous mummification practices of ancient Egypt. The jars are now housed in the Museum August Kestner in Hannover, Germany, where they became the subject of a revolutionary study.
Decoding the Balm’s Ingredients
A team of researchers, led by Barbara Huber from the Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology, employed state-of-the-art analytical techniques to unravel the composition of Senetnay’s embalming balm. Through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and other advanced methods, the team identified a rich mixture of ingredients:

- Beeswax: A staple in mummification for its preservative properties.
- Plant oils and fats: Likely used to soften and preserve the body.
- Bitumen: A natural tar that added an antiseptic quality to the balm.
- Pinaceae resins: Derived from larch or pine trees, adding a balsamic scent.
- Dammar resin or Pistacia tree resin: Rare imports that highlight Egypt’s extensive trade networks.
The inclusion of dammar resin, a substance sourced exclusively from Southeast Asian tropical forests, underscores the far-reaching trade connections of ancient Egypt. If confirmed, this would push back evidence of such trade by nearly a millennium, altering our understanding of global commerce during the 2nd millennium BCE.
Scientists have recreated the fragrance of an ancient Egyptian mummy – watch the video to experience the scent of the afterlife and learn about this fascinating experiment!
Trade Routes and Global Connections
The discovery of imported ingredients in Senetnay’s mummification balm reveals the breadth of Egypt’s trade network. Resins like dammar and larch tree resin would have traveled vast distances to reach Egypt, likely through interconnected routes that spanned the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and beyond.
Professor Nicole Boivin, a senior researcher on the project, highlighted the significance of this finding, noting that ancient Egyptians were sourcing materials from regions far outside their immediate domain. This challenges previous assumptions about the scale and sophistication of ancient trade and suggests a level of globalization that predates written records of such connections.
Recreating the Scent of Eternity

One of the most fascinating aspects of the study was the collaboration with French perfumer Carole Calvez and sensory museologist Sofia Collette Ehrich. Using the analytical findings, they meticulously recreated the ancient scent, which will be featured in an exhibition at the Moesgaard Museum in Denmark.
Dubbed “the scent of eternity,” this aroma combines the earthy, balsamic notes of resins with the subtle sweetness of beeswax and plant oils. The recreated scent allows modern audiences to connect with the past in a deeply personal and immersive way. It transforms archaeology from a purely visual experience into a multisensory journey, bringing history to life in an unprecedented manner.
Making History Accessible Through Scent

The recreation of Senetnay’s embalming balm serves a broader purpose beyond its scientific significance. By incorporating scent into exhibitions, museums can make ancient history more accessible to diverse audiences, including individuals with visual impairments. This approach broadens the appeal of archaeology and allows visitors to engage with history through an often-overlooked sense.
Barbara Huber emphasized that this initiative is about more than just academic research—it’s about creating connections between the past and present. The scent of the balm bridges a gap of 3,500 years, making the distant past feel tangible and relatable.
Revolutionizing Egyptology and Sensory Archaeology
The study of Senetnay’s embalming balm offers invaluable insights into the practices and beliefs of ancient Egyptians. The complex mixture of ingredients used in her mummification reflects not only their advanced understanding of preservation but also their spiritual and symbolic approach to death. The balm was as much about honoring the deceased as it was about ensuring their journey into the afterlife.
This research also highlights the potential for sensory archaeology to revolutionize the field. By exploring elements like scent, sound, and touch, researchers can provide a more holistic understanding of ancient cultures. Such approaches enrich our understanding of history and make it more engaging for the public.
Video
Scientists attempt to perfectly recreate Egyptian mummification… and even taste it! Watch the video to witness this daring experiment unfold.
Conclusion
The recreation of Senetnay’s embalming balm is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research and the enduring allure of ancient Egypt. It offers a window into a world where scent was intertwined with spirituality, preservation, and the afterlife. As visitors to the Moesgaard Museum inhale the “scent of eternity,” they will experience a connection to a culture that continues to captivate our imagination.
Through this groundbreaking study, we are reminded that history is not just a collection of artifacts—it is a sensory experience, a story told through sights, sounds, and smells. The scent of the afterlife brings us closer to understanding the people who lived thousands of years ago, ensuring that their legacy endures in more than just written words and preserved artifacts.