The Mystery of the ‘Screaming Woman’ Mummy Unraveled

Scientists have long been puzzled by the expression on an ancient Egyptian mummy’s face, known as the ‘Screaming Woman.’ New research suggests she may have actually died in great pain nearly 3,000 years ago.

According to scientists, her facial expression could be the result of a rare occurrence known as cadaveric spasm, which happens when the muscles stiffen right after a person dies. This condition can capture the exact position someone was in at the time of their demise, potentially immortalizing their suffering.

While the exact cause of her death is still unknown, cadaveric spasms are typically associated with violent deaths or scenarios involving extreme emotions.

The Screaming Woman, found in 1935 during an archaeological dig in Luxor, was resting inside a wooden coffin. Details of her unique burial and burial items include a black wig made from date palm fibers and two precious scarab rings on her left hand.

Recent analysis using advanced CT scans has shed new light on her condition. Researchers determined that she was around 5 feet tall, had likely died at the age of 48, and showed signs of dental issues and mild arthritis.

Interestingly, while it was initially thought that her organs were poorly embalmed, the study revealed that they were actually still in her body and that she had been treated with expensive embalming substances like juniper and frankincense. This contradicts the belief that she received subpar mummification.

Professor Sahar Saleem from Cairo University, who led the study, noted that the mummy is a true ‘time capsule’ that captures the unsettling final moments of her life. The findings were published in a recent issue of the journal Frontiers in Medicine.