TEHRAN - The Archaeology Museum of Zanjan, famously known as the salt men museum for its collection of ancient mummies discovered in an ancient salt mine, has reopened its doors to visitors following a comprehensive two-month restoration project.

“The Archaeology Museum of Zanjan, renowned for its unique artifacts such as the mummies of the salt men has reopened its doors to enthusiasts after two months of meticulous restoration,” Zanjan province’s deputy tourism chief said on Tuesday.

Mohammadreza Mohammadpour announced the completion of the restoration work, which was carried out based on modern museum principles.

During the restoration project, various aspects of the museum were refurbished and upgraded. This included insulation installation for doors and windows, flooring renovation on the second floor, electrical system enhancements, as well as new painting and lighting for the displays of the Salt Men and historical objects.

Mohammadpour emphasized the importance of proper lighting in museums, stating that it is one of the most influential factors in creating a conducive environment for visitors to appreciate the exhibits fully.

He further explained, "The walls of the museum required fresh painting, which was executed according to museum standards. Now, the museum space boasts sufficient color and radiance to highlight the Salt Men and their associated artifacts."

Regarding the electrical infrastructure, Mohammadpour mentioned that outdated wiring systems were replaced with fire-resistant wires, and the electronic security system was updated. He assured that the museum's electronic security is now up to standard, eliminating any deficiencies or shortcomings in the museum space.

The prolonged duration of the restoration process was attributed to the unique nature of the salt men artifacts, the historical significance, and the registered status of the Zoalfaghari Mansion, where the museum is housed.

What was a catastrophe for the ancient miners has become a sensation of science. Sporting a long white beard, iron knives, and a single gold earring, the first salt mummy was discovered in 1993. He is estimated to be trapped in the mine in ca. 300 CE. In 2004, another mummy was discovered only 50 feet away, followed by another in 2005 and a “teenage” boy mummy later that year.

In 1993, miners in the Douzlakh Salt Mine, near Hamzehli and Chehrabad villages, accidentally came across a mummified head. The head was very well preserved, to the extent that his pierced ear was still holding the gold earring. The hair, beard, and mustaches were reddish, and his impressive leather boot still contained parts of his leg and foot, according to the Ancient History Encyclopedia.

The first mummy dubbed the “Saltman” is on display in the National Museum of Iran in Tehran. He still looks very impressive. The third, fourth, and fifth “saltmen” were also carbon-dated. The third body was dated and placed in 2337 BP, the fourth body in 2301 BP, and the fifth mummy was dated to 2286 BP, placing them all in the Achaemenid period.

The isotopic analysis of the human remains revealed much information about the salt mummies. Besides, the archaeological finds, such as animal bones found within the context of the saltmen, showed that the miners might have eaten sheep, goats, and probably pigs and cattle, as well. The archaeobotanical finds recorded showed different cultivated plants were eaten, indicating an agricultural establishment in the vicinity of the mine.

The wealth of fabric and other organic material (leather) worn by the saltmen have allowed a thorough analysis to be undertaken, detailing the resources used to make the fabrics, the processing, the dyes used to color the fibers of the garments, and not least they offer an excellent overview of the changes in cloth types, patterns of weaving, and the changes of the fibers through time.

AM