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Ancient Egyptian Mummy’s ‘Scream’ Remains a 90-Year Puzzle
The enduring mystery of a 3,500-year-old Egyptian mummy, whose face appears locked in a perpetual scream, has perplexed researchers and scientists for nearly nine decades. This intriguing relic from ancient Egypt continues to fascinate experts.
The Enigmatic “Screaming Woman”
Believed to have died at approximately 48 years of age during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut (1479–1458 BC) in Luxor, Egypt, the exact cause of her demise remains unknown. However, specialists have long considered that her death may have been as agonizing as the look of anguish etched onto her face. The identity of this so-called “screaming woman” is largely obscure, yet her haunting visage has captivated archaeologists since her discovery.
Discovery and Initial Theories
Unearthed in 1935 by an archaeological expedition from the Metropolitan Museum of New York, the “screaming woman” continues to intrigue scholars nearly a century later. Her remarkably preserved remains were located within the tomb of a high-ranking ancient Egyptian official. Now, experts suggest they may have finally resolved the long-standing conundrum behind her facial expression.
Initially, speculation arose that her jaw’s open position resulted from inadequate mummification procedures. Some hypothesized that the embalmer might have been rushed or unskilled, failing to properly secure her mouth closed before burial.
Cadaveric Spasm: Unraveling the Mystery
Yet, with advancements in technology, scientists now propose they might have uncovered the chilling truth behind her tormented scream. The revised theory is truly disturbing if validated, according to reports.
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Anthropologist Samia El-Merghani from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and radiologist Sahar Saleem from Cairo University posit that the woman “died screaming.”
In a study published in Frontiers in Medicine, the researchers stated: “We demonstrate that she was embalmed with expensive, imported embalming materials. The mummy‘s screaming facial expression in this investigation could be interpreted as a cadaveric spasm, implying that the woman died screaming from extreme suffering or pain.”
Understanding Cadaveric Spasm
A cadaveric spasm represents a rare form of muscular stiffening that occurs at the precise moment of death and persists into the period of rigor mortis. Although it is a controversial subject, with some scientists disputing its very existence, research suggests it can explain the mummy’s features.
This phenomenon typically occurs where death follows substantial and sustained muscular tension, often linked to “violent deaths under severe physical circumstances and intense emotion”.
Saleem further clarified in a press statement: “We proposed that the reason for this open mouth could be attributed to a painful death or emotional distress, and cadaveric spasm caused her face to freeze in the appearance at the time of death.”
“Embalmers were unable to close the mouth and mummified the contracted body before it decomposed or relaxed, preserving her open mouth after death.”
Virtual Autopsy Reveals Details of Ancient Life
Insights from the Mummy’s Corpse
A ‘virtual autopsy’ performed on the mummy‘s corpse revealed remarkable details, showcasing her well-preserved organs and teeth. The woman was estimated to be approximately 48 years old and stood at 1.54 meters tall, roughly 5 feet, at the time of her death.
Health and Lifestyle Clues
She also exhibited conditions such as spinal arthritis, evidenced by bone spurs on her vertebrae. Her teeth displayed indications of early forms of dentistry, providing insights into healthcare practices of the era.
Personal Adornments
Furthermore, the ancient woman wore a wig fashioned from braided date palm fibers, containing traces of juniper and frankincense along with various minerals. While some disagreement persists among experts regarding whether the woman experienced pain prior to her death, researcher Saleem noted that her exceptionally conserved body “is a genuine time capsule of the manner in which she died and was mummified“.