Scientists have uncovered the ‘true curse of the mummy’—and it turns out it’s not mystical at all

A team led by bioarchaeologist Kirsty Squires from the University of Staffordshire analysed 128 publications and adverts posted on social media, online shops, marketplaces and auction house websites.

It emerged that both animal mummies and genuine human remains are being sold online, and these are by no means limited to whole bodies.

Individual body parts — hands and feet — were particularly common. More than half of the sample, 51.6 per cent, consisted of heads in various conditions: whole or partially preserved mummified heads, skulls with remnants of skin and hair, as well as so-called ‘shrunken heads’.

Signs of decay were observed on some of the remains

The researchers discovered items in the listings with external signs of biodegradation — the breakdown of biological material.

The problem is that mummified tissues do not become completely sterile simply because they are hundreds or thousands of years old. Under unsuitable humidity, temperature and storage conditions, microorganisms, including fungi, can develop on organic material.

However, potential microbial colonisation is not necessarily clearly visible to the naked eye. Therefore, even an item that appears to be well-preserved cannot automatically be considered safe.

The authors emphasise that the study is based on an analysis of advertisements and images: they did not carry out laboratory microbiological tests on every item for sale. Consequently, this concerns a potential risk, rather than proof of the presence of dangerous fungi on every mummy.

The real ‘curse’ may lie in fungal spores

One of the main dangers is linked to microorganisms capable of surviving on old organic materials.

When a mummy is moved, unpacked or damaged, fungal spores can be released into the air. The researchers draw particular attention to Aspergillus — a genus of moulds, some species of which can cause serious illness in people with heightened susceptibility.

This is precisely why the authors used the image of the ‘true curse of the mummy’: the real danger may not stem from ancient spells, but from biological material that has been stored for a long time in unsuitable conditions.

Toxic substances may also remain in mummies

There is another potential problem.

Historically, various chemicals have been used for the embalming and subsequent preservation of human remains. These may have included compounds of arsenic, mercury and lead.

This means that the unidentified object from a private collection could potentially pose not only a biological but also a chemical risk.

However, an important caveat applies here: as part of their analysis of 128 online listings, the researchers did not directly measure the heavy metal content in each sample being sold. They are highlighting the known risk associated with historical embalming and preservation methods.

Some sellers handled the mummies with their bare hands

According to the authors, safety was virtually absent from the product descriptions.

In some of the published photographs, people were holding mummified human remains without gloves or other protective equipment.

The researchers also noted comments about the characteristic ‘mummy smell’, which may accompany the decomposition of organic material.

At the same time, individual items were displayed in ordinary residential premises without protective display cases or any obvious climate control.

Human remains were sent by ordinary post

An even more unusual issue relates to delivery.

The researchers found evidence that mummified human remains are sent to buyers both domestically and abroad.

In one instance, a buyer in the US received mummified remains sent from the UK via Royal Mail. The study’s authors note that postal service regulations prohibit such consignments.

As a result, it is no longer just sellers and collectors who are exposed to this potential risk.

Staff at warehouses, sorting centres, couriers and customs officials may come into contact with a sealed parcel without knowing what is inside, and therefore do not use the appropriate protective equipment.

Why did scientists recall the ‘curse of the mummy’?

The legend of the curse became particularly popular following the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in the 20th century, when the deaths of some people involved in the excavations began to be attributed to supernatural forces.

Modern researchers consider a far more prosaic explanation for the potential risks — microorganisms, dust and toxic substances.

The research paper also mentions the story of the opening of the tomb of the Polish King Casimir IV in the 1970s. Several specialists died following the work, and exposure to mould was subsequently discussed as one of the possible factors. The authors also put forward the hypothesis that a fungal infection may have played a role in Lord Carnarvon’s illness following the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.

However, these historical episodes should not be taken as proof of a universal ‘deadly danger’ posed by ancient mummies.

The authors believe that the rules governing the online trade and transport of human remains require clearer regulation.

In their view, attention must be paid not only to sellers and buyers, but also to online marketplaces, courier companies, postal services and customs authorities.

The problem is that the modern internet has made the international market for unusual human remains significantly more accessible, whilst knowledge of the potential risks involved in handling such items remains limited.

Why this matters

The research shows that behind the sensational legend of the ‘mummy’s curse’ lies a very modern problem.

Ancient and historical human remains may today end up not in a museum laboratory with temperature control and protective measures, but in a private flat, an online shop or a standard postbox.

And the danger here is not linked to mysticism, but to a combination of old organic tissues, potential microbial colonisation, historical chemicals and improper storage.

That said, the study does not prove that all mummies on sale are dangerous or infected with fungi. Its main conclusion is that such items may pose an underestimated risk, whilst the online market pays virtually no attention to biosafety issues.

Source

Study: Kirsty Squires, Dario Piombino-Mascali, Clara Urzì, Damien Huffer. The Real Mummy’s Curse: Health Risks Associated with the Sale and Trade of Mummified Remains.

Journal: International Journal of Cultural Property, 2026.