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Researchers from the University of Barcelona and the Institute of Ancient Near Eastern Studies in Germany uncovered a tomb containing 52 mummies in the ancient Egyptian city of Oxyrhynchus (now known as Al-Bahnasah). Thirteen of the mummies were fitted with gold plates on their tongues; one mummy had two plates, and another had nails covered with gold sheets.
The find dates back to the Ptolemaic period (305–30 B.C.). Scholars believe the tomb belonged to an individual named Wen Nefer.
Among the artifacts were heart scarabs, amulets, pottery, and canopic jars that held the deceased’s organs, along with wall paintings showing stars, gods, and the embalming process. The heart scarabs particularly intrigued the team; they were placed over the heart of the deceased to help them on their journey to the afterlife. Archaeologists say this is the largest collection of burial artifacts yet discovered in Al-Bahnasah.
“These findings provide a new perspective on the religious rituals and burial traditions of the Ptolemaic era in Al-Bahnasah,” said Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt.
Whispers from the Afterlife
The gold plates on the tongues of more than a dozen mummified Egyptians reflect an ancient practice: ancient Egyptians believed the dead would need to speak during the judgment of Osiris, and the plates were meant to enable that. In fact, gold tongues are rarely found in ancient Egyptian tombs. One reason for their scarcity is the looting of graves over many centuries, as reported by Science Alert.
As for the gold sheets on the nails, they were reserved for people of particularly high status. The sheets protected the nails from physical damage during the embalming process and were thought to guard against spiritual dangers as well.
The frescoes on the walls of the tomb captivated the researchers. An ancient artist painted the goddess Nut with bare breasts against a blue sky sprinkled with stars. Below her, other gods sailed on funerary boats.
This tomb stands out as one of the most fascinating burial chambers uncovered by archaeologists. It likely provided comfort to the relatives of the deceased, who had ensured the dead were well-equipped for their journey into the afterlife.
More images of the artifacts can be found on the Facebook page of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
