Carrier Context :
Unique Projects

  The Ampato Maiden

It's nearly 2 a.m., only four hours before the "Ampato Maiden" and artifacts found with her are scheduled to begin their two-day journey from Arequipa, Peru to Washington, D.C. for a widely publicized exhibit in the National Geographic Society's Explorers Hall.

Carrier built and donated two identical
cases that would allow the ice maiden
to be displayed while preserving the
delicate temperature and humidity
balance she required.

It has been a hectic, tense week in Peru for Ferguson, Stopyra and Dr. Charles Bullock, leader of the Carrier team that designed, built and brought to Peru a refrigerated display case for the mummy as well as the insulated box in which she would travel. But Peru apparently was calm compared to the week spent by two dozen engineers, technicians and craftsmen back in Syracuse racing to assemble the second display case, take it apart, drive it to Washington and reassemble it in time for the mummy's arrival.

Racing against time marked the project from the beginning.

In late January, Dale A. Petroskey, senior vice president of the National Geographic Society, said the Society hoped to bring the "Ampato Maiden" to the U.S. for an exhibit to coincide with the May publication of its magazine's article on the mummy.

" . . . but we lack the technical experience to provide the temperature and humidity conditions critical to preserving her, including her flesh and DNA, on the trip from Peru and while on display here at National Geographic," Petroskey wrote.

"The requirements are unique and require a special, custom-designed compartment. This is why we have sought the highly respected knowledge and expertise of Carrier."

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