The accurate and systematic approach developed within the SEAMS project laid the groundwork for the first systematic classification of bundle shapes, decorative pattern variants, and the technical procedures involved in their manufacture. This framework constitutes a conceptual tool that fosters knowledge transfer and facilitates interoperability among scholars working in this field. As such, it marks a significant advance beyond the state of the art, as it finally allows these long-overlooked artefacts to be studied within a coherent and comparative analytical system.
The wrapping construction techniques and the mandatory movements performed throughout the complex wrapping chaîne opératoire were brought to light during the reporting period. This made it possible to document the dynamics of wrapping gestures and to define the different stages of the wrapping sequence, thereby offering a deeper understanding of its construction logic than had ever been achieved before.
While attempting to describe these aspects, it became clear that the limited attention previously devoted to both human and animal mummy wrappings has led to the emergence of multiple terminologies that are often vague, incoherent, sometimes unintelligible, and, in certain respects, entirely absent. This repeatedly underscored the urgent need to define a consistent terminology for mummy wrappings, encompassing all aspects. To this end, a scientific spin-off of the SEAMS project, the SEAMS/CTR initiative Terminology for Egyptian Mummy Wrappings, is currently developing a precise, consistent, and semantically rich terminology for the description of both human and animal wrapping systems. The goal of this initiative is to create a standardised lexicon that will enhance research communication, promote data interoperability and reusability, and facilitate knowledge transfer through well-defined and intelligible terminology reflecting the full complexity of wrapping systems and their manufacture.
A further advance beyond previous studies was achieved by significantly widening the analytical sample in terms of animal species, production sites, and the current locations of the mummies. This multi-collection and multi-provenance investigation enabled more meaningful morphometric and stylistic comparisons between mummies grouped within the same wrapping class. The system allows large-scale cross-collection comparative studies, creating the conditions for identifying regional workshop traditions, diachronic trends, and technological consistencies in the manufacture of votive animal mummies. As a result, some specimens can now be contextualised more securely within their original cultural settings. Beyond advancing scholarly knowledge, this approach also contributes to the virtual reconstruction of archaeological contexts compromised by undocumented or unconventional excavations and provides museum curators with new, evidence-based insights into the history and significance of the artefacts in their care.
Another key merit of the SEAMS project lies in its move beyond visual inspection, in contrast to previous studies that relied almost exclusively on this approach. While visual analysis remains a valuable research starting point, it is often insufficient on its own to fully grasp the complexity of these decorative modules. SEAMS is grounded in an interdisciplinary methodology in which visual inspection serves as a preliminary examination phase, complemented by an evidence-based analysis conducted through an integrated suite of advanced technologies. Moreover, SEAMS workflow offers several key methodological advantages. First, its replicability: grounded in a clearly defined and standardised recording protocol, the methodology can be consistently applied across different museum collections and diverse categories of materials, enabling analyses to be reproduced with accuracy and transparency. Second, its interoperability and accessibility, as it relies on open, free, and European-community-endorsed systems, standards, and platforms, facilitating the integration of heterogeneous datasets. To further support this goal, the development of a terminological standardisation system provides a controlled vocabulary that enhances consistency, supports effective communication among researchers, and ensures the reliable transfer of information gathered during documentation.
Finally, the SEAMS project has restored scientific consideration to a category of material culture that had long been overlooked: the wrappings of votive animal mummies. By reinstating their full value both as expressions of material culture and as the true medium of sacralization, the project has offered these artefacts the scholarly attention they deserve and has firmly repositioned them within the broader framework of Egyptological research.
