Researchers from the University of Barcelona (Spain) and the Institute of Ancient Near Eastern Studies (Germany) have uncovered a tomb containing 52 mummies in the ancient Egyptian city of Oxyrhynchus (now known as Al-Bahnasah). Thirteen of the deceased had gold plates on their tongues, with one mummy featuring two such plates, while another had nails adorned 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 discovered were so-called heart scarabs, amulets, pottery, and canopic jars that held the deceased’s organs, as well as wall paintings depicting stars, gods, and the embalming process. The heart scarabs particularly intrigued the team; they were placed over the heart of the deceased to assist them in their journey to the afterlife. According to archaeologists, this is the first instance of such a large collection of burial artifacts being found in Al-Bahnasah.
“These findings provide a new perspective on the religious rituals and burial traditions of the Ptolemaic era in Al-Bahnasah,” noted 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. According to this tradition, the dead were believed to gain the ability to speak in the afterlife when they stood before the judgment of Osiris. In fact, gold tongues are rarely found in ancient Egyptian tombs. One reason for this scarcity is the looting of graves over many centuries, as reported by Science Alert.
As for the gold plates on the nails, they were used by individuals of particularly high status. These plates served a protective function, guarding against not only potential damage during the embalming process but also spiritual dangers.
The frescoes on the walls of the tomb captivated the researchers. An ancient artist depicted the goddess Nut with bare breasts against a backdrop of a blue sky sprinkled with stars. Below her, other gods sailed on funerary boats.
Thus, the tomb stands out as one of the most fascinating burial chambers ever discovered by archaeologists. It likely provided comfort to the relatives of the deceased, who 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.