Though the damage to mummy -- 1.54 m long, and dated at about 1320 BC -- was discovered eight months ago, a report on its extent and ways of dealing with it was made only last week by a team of experts from Egypt and India. The right toe was chipped off, apparently following the use of a vacuum cleaner during the tenure of previous curator Rajratna Goswami. However, this was revealed while emptying the coffin, when fragments fell out; they were immediately stuck with adhesives.

The news caused concern, since this is one of the only seven mummies in Indian museums. It was purchased by Sayajirao Gaekwad III from New York in 1895 for $ 175.

Sources say though efforts are on to repair the damage and prevent further wear and tear, the scar will stay.

In theirreport, the experts -- including N Y Iskander, chief of the Egyptian Museum, Cairo, Tej Singh, Director of the National Research Laboratory for Conservation of National Properties, Lucknow, Hot Chand, deputy director, Department of Museums, Rajasthan and senior chemical scientists and botanists from M S University, Vadodara -- say at present, the toes ``are fitted well in position and in a stable state. (However) We noticed that this is the only part unwrapped from the whole mummy and this was made by cutting on purpose. (But) With no records.

``We also observed that the thumb and the forefinger of the right foot have lost some of the tissues/skin and some of the exfoliated remains seem to have been fixed with adhesive. (But) With no records whatsoever. We further noticed that the whole wrapping, including the mask and the decorated plaster layer on top of the mummy, was coated with a binding material applied earlier. There are no records.''

The three-page report concludes: ``After carrying out necessaryexamination of the mummy and the coffin, we moved the mummy out with the coffin. We observed the coffin base was seriously contaminated with insects and needs restoration.'' The report says the coffin base is ``full of tiny holes made by insects everywhere.''

The museum authorities have sent this report to the Secretariat of Sports, Youth Services and Cultural Activities, Gandhinagar.

Sources in Gandhinagar said a high-level dialogue was on between the State Government and Iskander as well as authorities of the Egyptian Museum, Cairo and the NRLC, Lucknow, for an oxygen-free show-case for this mummy.

Interestingly, State Cultural Affairs Minister Mahendra Trivedi insists the damage is nominal and rules out any action against museum staffers. Director, Department of Museums, Gujarat, V C Verma told The Indian Express from Jamnagar that he was aware of the damage and had long ago informed the minister about it. He refused to elaborate. Vadodara Curator Satish Sadasivan refused to comment on thematter.

Safety Measures

The Vadodara Museum has taken these measures to prevent erosion of the mummy: