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A recent study led by Cairo University radiology professor Sahar Saleem has shed light on the mysterious “Screaming Woman” mummy discovered during a 1935 archaeological expedition at Deir el-Bahari near Luxor, Egypt. Using CT scans to perform a “virtual dissection,” scientists have determined that the woman, who was about 48 years old at the time of her death, may have experienced a rare form of muscular stiffening called cadaveric spasm, which occurs at the moment of death and can preserve the facial expression of agony.
The examination revealed that the woman had lived with mild arthritis of the spine and had lost some teeth.Her body was well-preserved, having been embalmed approximately 3,500 years ago during ancient Egypt‘s New Kingdom period using expensive imported ingredients such as juniper oil and frankincense resin. Unlike typical mummification practices, the woman’s internal organs, except for the heart, had not been removed.
“In ancient Egypt, the embalmers took care of the dead body so it would look beautiful for the afterlife. That’s why they were keen to close the mouth of the dead by tying the jaw to the head to prevent the normal postmortem jaw drop,” Saleem said.
The quality of the embalmment ingredients and the presence of expensive funerary apparel, including two gold and silver rings and a long-haired wig made from date palm fibres, ruled out the possibility of careless mummification or neglect in closing the mouth. This led researchers to consider other explanations for the widely opened mouth, such as the woman dying while screaming from agony or pain, with the facial muscles contracting due to cadaveric spasms.
The “Screaming Woman” was found inside a wooden coffin in a burial chamber beneath the family tomb of Senmut, a high-ranking official who served as the architect, overseer of royal works, and reputed lover of Queen Hatshepsut. Although the woman’s identity remains unknown, her jewellery suggests she held a significant socioeconomic status and was likely a close family member of Senmut.
The study also revealed details about the woman’s wig, which featured spiral braids treated with minerals to harden them and provide a black colour indicative of youth. Her natural hair had been dyed with henna and juniper oil. While the cause of her death could not be determined, the study has provided valuable insights into the life and death of this intriguing ancient Egyptian mummy.
The examination revealed that the woman had lived with mild arthritis of the spine and had lost some teeth.Her body was well-preserved, having been embalmed approximately 3,500 years ago during ancient Egypt‘s New Kingdom period using expensive imported ingredients such as juniper oil and frankincense resin. Unlike typical mummification practices, the woman’s internal organs, except for the heart, had not been removed.
“In ancient Egypt, the embalmers took care of the dead body so it would look beautiful for the afterlife. That’s why they were keen to close the mouth of the dead by tying the jaw to the head to prevent the normal postmortem jaw drop,” Saleem said.
The quality of the embalmment ingredients and the presence of expensive funerary apparel, including two gold and silver rings and a long-haired wig made from date palm fibres, ruled out the possibility of careless mummification or neglect in closing the mouth. This led researchers to consider other explanations for the widely opened mouth, such as the woman dying while screaming from agony or pain, with the facial muscles contracting due to cadaveric spasms.
The “Screaming Woman” was found inside a wooden coffin in a burial chamber beneath the family tomb of Senmut, a high-ranking official who served as the architect, overseer of royal works, and reputed lover of Queen Hatshepsut. Although the woman’s identity remains unknown, her jewellery suggests she held a significant socioeconomic status and was likely a close family member of Senmut.
The study also revealed details about the woman’s wig, which featured spiral braids treated with minerals to harden them and provide a black colour indicative of youth. Her natural hair had been dyed with henna and juniper oil. While the cause of her death could not be determined, the study has provided valuable insights into the life and death of this intriguing ancient Egyptian mummy.
