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View in full / Advanced imaging techniques enabled researchers to conduct a “virtual dissection” of this ancient mummy, roughly 3,500 years old, known as the “Screaming Woman.” (credit: Sahar Saleem/CC BY)
A Mysterious Ancient Expression: The Screaming Woman Mummy
The discovery of ancient Egyptian mummies with gaping mouths has intrigued scholars for ages; it appears as though these individuals were caught in a scream before death. Typically, during the mummification process, the jaws were kept shut by binding them to prevent such occurrences. However, recent analysis through sophisticated imaging has brought new insights regarding one specific specimen dubbed the ”Screaming Woman.” Findings published in Frontiers in Medicine reveal that her open mouth doesn’t arise from inadequate preservation techniques.
The Significance Behind Her Expression
Co-author and radiology expert Sahar Saleem from Cairo University commented on this exceptional find: “The Screaming Woman represents a remarkable ‘time capsule’ capturing not only her demise but also how she was treated post-mortem.” The research indicates that she underwent embalming using high-quality materials sourced from foreign traders; such details challenge previously held beliefs suggesting inefficiency due to undisturbed internal organs.
Pioneering Research Efforts on Ancient Mummies
Sahar Saleem’s dedication to paleoradiology shines through her previous projects involving similar mummies characterized by their unsettling expressions. A prominent example is another “screaming” individual referred to as Unknown Woman A—a name assigned by Gaston Maspero during his tenure leading Egypt’s Antiquities Service. This mummy is part of a pair found within the Royal Cache at Deir el Bahari close to Luxor back in 1881—a hiding place utilized by priests from the 21st and 22nd dynasties aiming to protect royal remains from looters seeking fortunes hidden within tombs.
This recent analysis sheds light on both historical practices and mortality experiences faced in ancient Egypt while emphasizing how advanced technology continues unraveling humanity’s past mysteries.
Discover more about other intriguing discoveries and ongoing research efforts that delve into our rich heritage!
