What Is a Snake Mummy
A snake mummy is a preserved snake, either naturally mummified or deliberately embalmed, often wrapped in linen or stored in a case. The term is most commonly used for ancient Egyptian animal mummies, where snakes were offered to gods such as Renenutet and Wadjet.
How Snake Mummies Are Preserved
Preservation methods include desiccation in dry sand, natron salt treatments, and resin coatings. Some specimens are wrapped in bandages and placed in decorated sarcophagi. Modern conservation uses controlled humidity, stable temperatures, and archival storage to prevent decay.
Where Snake Mummies Are Displayed
Major museums worldwide hold snake mummies in their Egyptology or natural history collections. Visitors can view them in galleries dedicated to ancient Egyptian religion, daily life, and animal cults. For current research and collection details, see the British Museum's online Egyptian animal mummy resources.
