A group of scientists from the University of Tubingen discovered during excavations in Egypt the mummy of a priest with a gilded mask. The find was made in Saqqara. Scientists dated the burial to 664-404. BC.
The mask was found in a large burial complex that has been excavated since 2016. Analysis of the mask showed that it was made of gilded silver. The eyes of the mask were created from calcite, obsidian and black onyx.
According to archaeologists, the discovery of such a mask can be called a sensation. At present, a very small number of such finds are known. Their rarity is due to the fact that in ancient times many burials were plundered.
The mask covered the face of the mummy, which was in a wooden sarcophagus. Its preservation is not very good. In ancient times, the image of the goddess Nut was applied to the sarcophagus, as well as the name and title of the deceased.
The complex, which was excavated by scientists from the University of Tübingen, consists of several tombs-mines, some of which go to a depth of more than 30 meters.
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At the top of one of the main mines, archaeologists discovered the remains of a rectangular structure built of adobe bricks and irregularly shaped limestone blocks. Apparently, the mummification of the bodies of the dead took place here. In this room, two reservoirs were found used to draw moisture from the body using sodium carbonate and wrapping in strips of cloth. In the chamber, scientists found various bowls and measuring containers with the names of oils and other substances for mummification.
The mummification chamber was connected to a large shaft in the center that was used for burial. Several cells were intact. In them, archaeologists found not only mummies and sarcophagi, but also a large number of ushabti figurines, as well as alabaster vessels, where the internal organs of the deceased were placed.
The use of modern methods, including laser scanning, helped scientists to draw up a three-dimensional map of the complex.