Unraveling the Mystery of the ‘Screaming Woman’ Mummy

New Delhi: For nearly a century, the enigmatic “Screaming Woman” mummy has fascinated researchers and the public alike. Discovered in 1935 in Deir El-Bahari, Egypt, this ancient mummy was found with a haunting expression of agony. Now, thanks to groundbreaking research, the mystery behind her chilling visage has been unraveled.

Unearthed from a tomb belonging to the family of a royal architect, the Screaming Woman’s remains diverged from the typical mummification practices of ancient Egypt. Unlike most mummies from that era, where internal organs were removed, her body retained all its organs, which initially led scientists to suspect a mishap during the mummification process. It was thought that careless handling might have left her mouth open by accident.

However, new research conducted by Cairo University radiologist Sahar Saleem and anthropologist Dr. Samia El-Merghani has provided a different explanation. Published in the journal Frontiers in Medicine, their study reveals that the Screaming Woman’s frozen expression is due to a phenomenon known as cadaveric spasm. This rare form of muscular stiffening occurs at the moment of death, particularly during violent or highly stressful circumstances. Essentially, she died in such intense agony that her muscles contracted into a permanent scream.

Using advanced imaging techniques such as computerized tomography (CT) scans and X-ray diffraction analysis, Saleem and El-Merghani were able to “virtually dissect” the mummy. Their analysis uncovered that the woman, who stood about 5 feet tall and was around 48 years old at the time of her death, had mild arthritis, including in her spine. Remarkably, her body was well-preserved, and her internal organs, including the brain, heart, and lungs, remained intact—an anomaly compared to typical mummification practices of the New Kingdom period, where organs were usually removed except for the heart.

The study also examined her hair and long black wig, revealing they were treated with minerals to give them a youthful appearance. Despite the quality of the mummification materials and techniques used, it appears that the embalmers were unable to close her mouth, leaving her with the same agonized expression she had at the time of death.

In summary, the Screaming Woman’s haunting face is not the result of poor mummification but rather a chilling testament to her final moments of distress. This research not only solves the mystery of her frozen expression but also offers a profound glimpse into the ancient Egyptian approach to death and preservation.

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