MORE than a dozen Egyptian mummies embellished with gold tongues and fingernails have been uncovered by archaeologists in the Behnese area, an important archaeological site in Middle Egypt.
The 13 golden tongues and fingernails date back to the Ptolemaic era, the longest and last dynasty of ancient Egypt. The mummies are “unique” for the area, according to Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
The tombs were found surrounded by ancient amulets and scarabs for the gods Isis, Horus, and Thoth, as well as the symbol of Djed. Ritual scenes of deities that had never been found in the region before were also discovered.
The mummies are believed to be from the Ptolemaic era, a time when ancient Egyptians believed gold was a divine, indestructible metal. The golden tongues and fingernails are thought to have allowed the dead to speak with the god of the underworld, Osiris, and showcase the wealth and power of the deceased.
A joint Egyptian-Spanish excavation led by the University of Barcelona and the Institute of Ancient Near East, under the direction of Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, was responsible for the discovery.
The discovery “represents a major addition to the history of the area and sheds light on the religious practices prevalent in the Ptolemaic era,” according to the ministry.
The tombs are meticulously arranged, suggesting communal burial practices, and each tomb is decorated with intricate and colorful wall paintings depicting the individual or family presenting offerings to deities such as Anubis, Osiris, Atum, Horus, and Thoth.
The discovery provides valuable insights into the religious practices and beliefs of the Ptolemaic era, including the importance of gold, the role of deities, and the afterlife.