The striking resemblance of an ancient Egyptian mummy to Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” has long intrigued researchers. Recently, a team has suggested that the woman, discovered in 1935 near Luxor, may have died in agony, explaining her startled expression.
The woman, estimated to have been buried about 3,500 years ago, was found in a wooden coffin beneath the tomb of Senmut, an architect during the reign of Pharaoh Hatshepsut. Alongside her, archaeologists also discovered the burial site of Senmut’s mother and other relatives. Dr. Sahar Saleem, a radiology professor at Cairo University, posits that the mummy’s presence among Senmut’s family indicates she was likely a close family member.
Using advanced CT scanning and X-ray diffraction analysis, Saleem and co-author Dr. Samia El-Merghani “virtually dissected” the mummy. Their findings, published in the journal Frontiers in Medicine, reveal that the woman was around 48 years old, stood approximately 1.55 meters tall, and had mild arthritis.
One surprising discovery was the absence of an embalming incision, with all organs intact, defying the typical New Kingdom mummification process, which usually involved organ removal. This, along with her burial with silver and gold scarab rings and the use of expensive embalming materials like juniper resin and frankincense, suggests she was not of a lower class.
The analyses also identified juniper and henna on the woman’s hair, while her wig, made from braided date palm fibers, contained traces of juniper, frankincense, and various minerals, possibly to stiffen and color the wig.
The researchers propose that the woman’s open mouth might be due to a rare, immediate form of rigor mortis. “We suggested that the reason [for] this opened mouth could be due to [a] painful death or emotional stress and cadaveric spasm,” Saleem explained. This would mean embalmers were unable to close her mouth before mummification.
However, the cause of death remains unknown. Other experts, like Salima Ikram from the American University in Cairo, are skeptical, suggesting that the expression might be due to burial procedures or post-mortem changes. Dr. Stuart Hamilton, a forensic pathologist, adds that the concept of cadaveric spasms is controversial, speculating the mouth might have simply fallen open and remained that way.
This woman is not the only “screaming” mummy. Similar expressions have been noted in Prince Pentawere, who was involved in a plot against Pharaoh Ramesses III, and Princess Meritamun, believed to have died from a sudden heart attack.
As researchers continue to study these mummies, each discovery adds a piece to the intricate puzzle of ancient Egyptian burial practices and the lives they once encapsulated.