The mystical” Screaming Woman” mother was discovered during a 1935 historical voyage at Deir el-Bahari near Luxor, Egypt, according to a new study led by Cairo University imaging doctor Sahar Saleem. Researchers have discovered that the lady, who was 48 years old at the time of her death, perhaps had experienced a unique form of skeletal stiffness called transplanted spasm, which occurs at the time of death and can maintain the visual expression of agony. They performed the “virtual dissection” using CT scans.
The woman’s condition was revealed in the investigation, which revealed that she had lost some teeth and had only experienced gentle spine arthritis. Her figure was well-preserved, having been embalmed about 3,500 years ago in the New Kingdom of ancient Egypt with cheap imported ingredients like juniper petrol and frankincense resin. Unlike normal cremation techniques, the person’s internal tissues, except for the soul, had not been removed.
The undertakers cared for the dead body in ancient Egypt so that it would be preserved for the future. According to Saleem, they were interested in closing the dead’s mouth by attaching the jaw to the head to avoid the typical autopsy jaw drop.
The presence of cheap burial clothing, including two gold and silver rings and a long-haired hair made of meeting hand fibers, and the high cost of the ingredients for the embalming also ruled out careless cremation or neglect when closing the mouth. Researchers looked into alternative explanations for the widely opened teeth, such as the woman dying while screaming in agony or pain while contracting facial muscles caused by transplanted 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 family name is unknown, her jewelry suggests that she was likely a representative of Senmut’s ilk.
The person’s wig, which featured circular braids that had been treated with minerals to dry them, was also revealed in more detail, giving it a youth-like appearance. Henna and sage oil were used to dye her hair naturally. Although it was not known what caused her death, the study revealed interesting details about the life and death of this intriguing ancient Egyptian lady.
