The Scream

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In an archeological twist worthy of a crime novel, researchers have unraveled some of the mystery surrounding the “Screaming Woman,” a 3,500-year-old Egyptian mummy whose ghastly expression has puzzled scientists since her discovery in 1935 near Luxor in southern Egypt.

Archeologists discovered the remains beneath the tomb of Senmut, a renowned architect and rumored lover of Queen Hatshepsut – both of whom lived during the New Kingdom era between 1550 and 1069 BCE.

Because Senmut’s mother and other relatives were also found in the tomb, researchers believe the “Screaming Woman” was related to the architect, according to Cosmos Magazine.

However, her haunting expression is something that has puzzled scientists for nearly a century: Despite being well-preserved, the open mouth and presence of internal organs prompted speculations that her mummification was poorly done.

Now, a new study using cutting-edge scanning technology “virtually dissected” her mummified body to unveil some insights into her life and her enigmatic expression.

Scientists found the woman was 48 years old at the time of her death, stood a little more than five feet tall and suffered from mild arthritis in her spine.

They did not find an embalming incision, which means her organs were not removed. This contradicts the standard mummification process during the New Kingdom era which involved removing all internal organs except the heart.

Yet, the analysis showed the ancient morticians embalmed her with expensive materials, such as juniper and frankincense, which were imported from the eastern Mediterranean, East Africa or southern Arabia.

Her hair was treated with henna and juniper, while her wig was made from date palm fibers and treated with quartz and other materials to maintain a youthful appearance.

Study authors Sahar Saleem and Samia El-Merghani said in a statement the use of expensive materials showed that her mummification was not shoddy work.

As for the woman’s expression, the team suggested that the open mouth may be due to a rare condition known as cadaveric spasm, a rare form of muscle stiffening that can occur in violent deaths under extreme conditions and emotional stress.

Even so, her cause of death has not been determined and researchers not involved in the study questioned that theory, the Guardian noted.

Meanwhile, the “Screaming Woman” is not the only mummy with that horrified expression.

Prince Pentawere, son of Pharaoh Ramesses III, also wore this expression, possibly as a posthumous punishment. Similarly, Princess Meritamun, sister of King Ahmose I, may have had a screaming expression due to a heart attack, with rigor mortis preventing closure.