Why were some white-toothed shrews mummified in ancient Egypt?

In ancient Egypt, shrews were considered significant within the context of ancient Egyptian religion. Because many deities were associated with specific species of animals, these creatures were often venerated and sometimes mummified as part of religious practice.12

Specifically, six African species of the white-toothed shrew have been discovered embalmed and mummified within animal tombs located along the Nile River. This practice reflects the broader Egyptian tradition of animal cults, where animals were preserved to honor the divine manifestations or attributes associated with their respective gods.21