Archaeologists in Egypt have made a groundbreaking discovery at the ancient site of Oxyrhynchus: 13 mummies adorned with gold tongues and nails. This find, located within a burial shaft that led to a hall containing three chambers, also revealed dozens of additional mummies, shedding light on burial practices during the Ptolemaic period (circa 304–30 B.C.).
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The mummies are believed to belong to the elite classes, potentially individuals connected to temples and animal cults that flourished in the area. This unique burial custom, alongside the treasures found, highlights the region’s cultural and religious significance.
Gold Tongues and Their Significance
The practice of placing gold tongues in mummies has intrigued archaeologists. Esther Pons Mellado and Maite Mascort, co-directors of the Spanish-Egyptian archaeological mission, explained that the gold tongues were intended to help the deceased speak in the afterlife. This belief ties to the ancient Egyptian view of gold as “the flesh of the gods,” symbolizing divine purity and power.
Salima Ikram, an Egyptology professor at the American University in Cairo, noted the unusually high number of gold tongues discovered at this site. She suggested that this practice might have been fashionable among the embalmers in Oxyrhynchus at the time. This isn’t the first time gold tongues have been found at the site. A previous excavation revealed 16 such artifacts, highlighting the importance of this burial tradition in the region.
Treasures of Amulets and Deities
In addition to the mummies, the archaeologists uncovered 29 amulets, many shaped like scarab beetles—symbols of the sun’s movement across the sky. Others depicted Egyptian deities such as Horus, Thoth, and Isis. Some amulets intriguingly combined multiple deities into a single form, reflecting the complexity of Egyptian religious beliefs.
These artifacts provide valuable insights into the spiritual practices and beliefs of the Ptolemaic period, reinforcing the notion of a deeply interconnected relationship between life, death, and the divine.
Exquisite Wall Paintings
Beyond the mummies and amulets, the excavation revealed stunning wall paintings. One portrays a tomb owner named Wen-Nefer in the presence of several Egyptian gods. Another ceiling painting features Nut, the sky goddess, surrounded by stars, while a separate depiction shows a boat carrying multiple deities.
Francesco Tiradritti, an Egyptologist from D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara in Italy, praised the quality and vibrancy of the paintings, describing them as “simply amazing.” These artworks are a testament to the craftsmanship and artistic sophistication of the ancient Egyptians.
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The discoveries at Oxyrhynchus contribute significantly to the understanding of ancient Egyptian funerary practices and social hierarchy. The site continues to yield invaluable artifacts, offering a window into the lives of the Ptolemaic elite and their beliefs about the afterlife.