Golden mummies of Egypt
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In the photo: the rarest exhibit from the Manchester Museum where works of anthropology and natural history are displayed.
“The Golden Mummies of Egypt” — a stunning collection of the embalmed remains of the ancient Egyptians that are believed to have been created as offerings to the gods. Valuable archeological finds provide unique insights into the beliefs and customs of ancient Egyptian society.
Rich cultural heritage
A collection of two hundred and fifty mummies was discovered in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the Bahariya Oasis, located in the western desert of Egypt. The bodies preserved by embalming date back to the Greco-Roman period of ancient Egypt, which lasted from approximately 332 BC to 618 AD.
The uniqueness of the discovery lies in the fact that masks, gypsum or papyrus were covered with gold leaf. The use of the valuable metal was considered a common practice in ancient Egyptian society, as gold symbolized the sun and the gods. The Egyptians believed that the deceased would then find eternal life.
In the photo: the coffin of Tasheriankh is a clear example of how an elaborate burial technique was a way to turn a 20-year-old woman from the city of Akhmim into a divine being.
The gilding process was complex and time-consuming. First, the body was covered with a layer of resin and wrapped with linen bandages. Then a layer of gypsum was applied to make the coating more durable. Finally, sheets of gold leaf were laid on top.
Mummies were buried with a variety of offerings, including food, wine and jewelry, which were believed to help the deceased on their journey to the afterlife. In addition, many faces were adorned with intricate and elaborate funerary masks to protect the dead and ensure their safe transition into the afterlife.
In the photo: the face of this woman was covered with a mask made from linen and gypsum.
The golden mummies of Egypt have been the subject of extensive research over the years. Scientists carefully studied all the details to get an idea of the diseases and health status of people in ancient Egyptian society.
Today, the golden mummies of Egypt can be seen in museums around the world. They will remind of the incredible achievements of one of the most amazing civilizations in the world for many centuries to come.
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