In the captivating world of ancient Egypt, where death was merely a transition to another life, the Egyptians developed intricate funerary rituals to ensure the deceased a safe journey into the afterlife. Among these rituals, one of the most intriguing is the practice of inserting golden tongues into the mouths of mummies. This article delves into the significance and recent discoveries related to these unique mummies.
The Significance of Golden Tongues
The golden tongues were amulets made from gold sheets that were placed in the mouths of mummies to enable the deceased to communicate with the gods in the afterlife. This practice was linked to the belief that gold was "the flesh of the gods" and conferred divine powers upon the deceased. Specifically, it was believed that gold helped the deceased speak with Osiris, the god of the underworld, during their journey into the afterlife.
Archaeological Discoveries
Recent archaeological discoveries have uncovered several mummies with golden tongues at various sites in Egypt. Among these, the temple of Taposiris Magna, near Alexandria, revealed a mummy with a golden tongue dating back to the Greco-Roman period. This discovery was made by an Egyptian-Dominican mission that explored 16 rock-cut tombs.
Another significant discovery was made in the city of Ossirinco (El-Bahnasa), where 13 mummies with golden tongues were found, dating back to the Ptolemaic period (circa 305-30 B.C.). These mummies were part of a group of 52 discovered at the site, which also included other artifacts such as ritual texts, colored inscriptions, and amulets representing deities.
Other Discoveries
Other discoveries of mummies with golden tongues have been reported in an ancient cemetery near Qewaisna, north of Cairo, dated between 300 B.C. and 30 B.C. These discoveries continue to reveal the widespread nature of this funerary practice across different regions of Egypt.
The mummies with golden tongues represent a fascinating aspect of ancient Egyptian funerary culture, showcasing the complexity and richness of their religious beliefs. These discoveries not only enrich our understanding of Egyptian history but also offer a unique window into the spiritual and symbolic practices of one of the most ancient and mysterious civilizations in the world.
Consultable Sources
- Smithsonian Magazine: Archaeologistsin Egypt Discover Mummy With Gold Tongue
- Popular Mechanics: Archaeologists Dug Up 52 EgyptianMummies. Over a Dozen Had ...
- HowStuffWorks: Why Were Two Egyptian MummiesBuried With Gold Tongues?
- Live Science: 13ancient Egyptian mummies found with gold tongues to help them talk in the afterlife
- Science Alert: Ancient Mummies With GoldenTongues Revealed in Stunning Discovery
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