The mystery surrounding the agonizing death of an ancient Egyptian mummy with a startling expression similar to The Scream painting by Edvard Munch has long puzzled researchers. This woman, believed to have been buried about 3,500 years ago, was discovered in 1935 in a wooden coffin beneath the tomb of Senmut, an important architect during the reign of Pharaoh Hatshepsut.
Archaeologists also found a burial chamber for Senmut’s mother, Hat-Nufer, and individual burials of his relatives at the site near Luxor. Despite the absence of a recorded name on the mummy, Dr. Sahar Saleem, a professor of radiology at Cairo University, suggests she was likely a close family member.
Using advanced technologies like computerized tomography (CT) scanning and X-ray-diffraction-analysis, researchers virtually dissected the mummy and examined the skin, hair, and long black wig. The woman, estimated to be around 48 years old and 1.55 meters tall, was found to have mild arthritis but no embalming incision. Surprisingly, all her organs were intact, unlike the classic method of mummification in the New Kingdom.
The mummy was buried with two scarab rings in silver and gold, along with expensive embalming materials like juniper resin and frankincense. Analysis of the hair, wig, and burial materials shed light on ancient mummification practices and trade networks. The researchers proposed that the woman’s open mouth was a result of a painful death or emotional stress, leading to a rare form of rigor mortis that preserved her expression.
While the cause of death remains uncertain, experts like Dr. Stuart Hamilton question the theory of cadaveric spasms, suggesting that the open mouth could have simply been a result of natural decomposition. Other “screaming” mummies, including Prince Pentawere and Princess Meritamun, offer additional insights into ancient burial practices and the preservation of facial expressions.
Overall, the study of this screaming mummy provides valuable information about ancient Egyptian funerary traditions, mummification techniques, and the cultural significance of preserving the deceased’s appearance. The research opens up new avenues for understanding the lives and deaths of individuals from the past, offering a unique glimpse into the mysteries of ancient civilizations.
