Archaeology news: Ancient Egyptian mummy with gold tongue discovered
In a fascinating archaeological find, a team from Egypt and the Dominican Republic recently uncovered a remarkably intriguing mummy that dates back over 2000 years. This discovery was made in the ancient city of Tarpasirus Magna, an area steeped in rich history linked to Osiris, the god of the underworld. The mummy is notable for having its tongue replaced with a bar of gold, a ritual believed to enable the deceased to communicate with the gods in the afterlife . The excavation revealed that this mummy, alongside other artifacts such as gilded cartonage and gold foil amulets, was located within one of the 16 burial chambers at Tarpasirus Magna. This site not only served as a burial ground but also housed temples dedicated to Isis, indicating a complex belief system surrounding death and the afterlife . The placement of the golden tongue was part of a special ritual aimed at ensuring that the deceased could speak before the Osirian court after death. Such practices underline the significance of vocal expression in ancient Egyptian culture. Alongside this mummy, archaeologists also found a female burial featuring a striking death mask and remnants of scrolls, which are currently being deciphered for further insights into the period . Interestingly, the artifacts and mummification practices suggest that those buried here were of high status, likely upper middle-class Egyptians, indicative of a society that invested heavily in lavish burial rituals to honor their dead . The statues discovered at the site, remarkably well-preserved, display hairstyles that have endured the test of time, offering a glimpse into the aesthetic norms of that era . As this news highlights, ancient Egypt continues to captivate modern audiences with its tremendous historical and cultural depth. What are your thoughts on the significance of the golden tongue in relation to ancient Egyptian beliefs? Have you found the study of ancient civilizations as fascinating as this discovery suggests? Share your thoughts!
