Mummies of the World Issues Statement Regarding Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo

MILWAUKEE, Feb. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In light of this weekend's looting in Egypt and damage to some of the world's most priceless treasures at the Cairo Museum, Marc Corwin, president of American Exhibitions, Inc., producer of Mummies of the World, the largest collection of mummies and related artifacts ever assembled, released the following statement:

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"We are deeply saddened by the devastation that took place at the Cairo Museum this past weekend. It is heartbreaking not only for our contemporaries in Egypt, but for the world as a whole. It is of crucial importance to preserve such items as these ancient artifacts and mummies given the impact they have not only for the advancement in science, but also as to their purpose in serving as a window to past cultures. Their historical value is priceless, and our hearts are a bit heavier knowing that these irreplaceable antiquities have been damaged, perhaps never to be enjoyed by or used for scientific studies for future generations."

Dr. Bob Brier, one of the world's foremost experts on mummies and Senior Research Fellow at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University adds, "The Cairo Museum is home to thousands of historical treasures. Anyone who has had the privilege of visiting the Museum knows these are some of the most prized artifacts in the world. These are not just abstract objects; we know these pieces. I've stood in front of their cases, talked about them to my students. To see these artifacts lying smashed on the floor is deeply troubling. Even worse for me is to see mummies of such great historical importance damaged."

Dr. Brier continues, "The public must understand how important it is to protect the mummies of the world. Mummies are like little encyclopedias; if one knows how to read them, they contain vast amounts of invaluable information. We are seeing this now in Cairo and surrounding areas as civilians join forces with the military to protect the vast number of tombs, monuments and temples throughout Egypt, standing as guardians of a heritage that is significant to the world."

About Mummies of the World

Currently on display at the Milwaukee Public Museum, Mummies of the World is the largest exhibition of mummies and related artifacts ever assembled, featuring an astounding collection of 150 artifacts and real human and animal specimens from South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Egypt. Through modern science and engaging interactive multi-media exhibits, the exhibition reveals how the scientific study of mummies provides a window into the lives of ancient people from every region of the world, offering unprecedented insights into past cultures and civilizations. The treasures presented in the exhibition include the Detmold Child, one of the oldest mummy infants ever discovered; the Vac Mummies, a mummified family from Budapest; the Baron and Baroness, discovered in a 14th century castle in Sommersdorf; and Egyptian animal mummies, intentionally preserved to accompany royals for eternity.

The concept began with the German Mummy Project's re-discovery of 20 mummies within the Reiss-Engelhorn Museums of Mannheim, Germany in 2004. A consortium of mummy researchers used DNA analysis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer tomography (CT), radiocarbon dating and mass spectrometry to learn more, and engaged the cooperation of 21 world-renowned museums, organizations and collections in seven countries to make this innovative exhibition possible.

More information is available at www.mummiesoftheworld.com.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Representatives from American Exhibitions, Inc. and Mummies of the World are available for interview; please contact Mallory McQuail at Zucker Public Relations, (561) 391-5930 ext. 307, [email protected].

SOURCE Mummies of the World