ArticleScientific reports2026
Characterization of complex New Kingdom funerary resinous mixtures uncovers liquorice-derived substances and pine nut oil.
Article in Scientific reports, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
Ancient Egyptian embalming substances and organic coatings applied to coffins and burial furnishings served both sacred and functional roles. However, their molecular characterization remains incomplete despite advances in analytical chemistry, highlighting the need for deeper approaches to refine compositional frameworks. This study investigates organic residues from the New Kingdom (2nd millennium BCE) funerary assemblage of Kha (outer bandages and middle and inner coffins), Merit (inner coffin), and a coeval little jar, all housed at the Museo Egizio in Turin, Italy. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) were combined to determine whether the substances were bituminous or resinous and to detail their composition. The analyses revealed resinous compounds, with no detectable evidence of bitumen, and a diverse organic matrix dominated by plant-derived biomarkers. Distinct molecular profiles emerged between body-related materials and coffin coatings, supporting function-specific formulations. Notably, 18-β-glycyrrhetinic acid (liquorice-derived compound) and pinolenic acid (pine nut oil marker) were assigned, providing the earliest molecular evidence to date for the use of liquorice in a New Kingdom funerary context. Overall, these findings reveal function-related funerary preparations and selective ingredient use, underscoring the potential of integrated HRMS workflows to detect unconventional markers and advance the study on ritual practices.
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