In 1935, an archaeological expedition by the Metropolitan Museum of New York uncovered the tomb of Senmut in Deir Elbahari near Luxor, Egypt. Senmut, an architect and overseer of royal works, was closely associated with Queen Hatshepsut (1479–1458 BCE). Beneath his tomb, a separate burial chamber contained the mummy of an elderly woman, later dubbed the “Screaming Woman” due to her open-mouthed, seemingly agonized expression.
Recent Findings
Researchers from Egypt, using advanced scientific techniques, have studied the Screaming Woman to understand her life and death. The findings are published in *Frontiers in Medicine*.
Key Discoveries:
1. Embalming Materials : The mummy was embalmed with costly, imported materials like juniper and frankincense, contradicting the belief that poor mummification was indicated by the presence of internal organs. 2. Age and Health : CT scans estimated the woman was about 48 years old, stood 1.54 meters tall, and suffered from mild arthritis. She also had lost several teeth before death. 3. Preservation : Despite being 2,500 years old, the mummy was in good condition, with no embalming incision and all major organs still present.
Embalming and Appearance
The Screaming Woman’s embalming involved juniper, frankincense, and henna, along with a wig made from date palm fibers treated to achieve a youthful black color. These findings suggest active trade in embalming materials in ancient Egypt.
Cause of Death and Expression
While the exact cause of death remains unknown, Dr. Sahar Saleem hypothesized that the mummy’s “screaming” expression could be due to cadaveric spasm, a rare form of muscular stiffening associated with violent deaths under extreme physical and emotional stress.
Significance
The study of the Screaming Woman mummy provides insight into the embalming practices, health conditions, and possible causes of death in ancient Egypt. This research highlights the importance of advanced scientific techniques in unraveling the mysteries of ancient civilizations.
