In a chilling revelation at the Mummification Workshop Complex in Saqqara, first uncovered in 2018, Egyptian archaeologists and researchers from the University of Tübingen in Germany have unearthed a hidden burial chamber and made startling discoveries about the ancient Egyptian “business of death.” Among the findings are a statue of the mysterious snake goddess Niut-shaes, a rare gilded silver mummy mask, and evidence of unconventional mummification practices that challenge long-held beliefs about ancient Egyptian burial traditions.
A Hidden Burial Chamber Unearthed
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced on Sunday that a previously undiscovered burial chamber was found at the 26th Dynasty (ca. 664–525 BC) Mummification Workshop Complex in Saqqara. This sprawling complex, featuring burial shafts plunging over 100 feet (30 meters) deep, contains 54 mummies and skeletons, five sarcophagi, and alabaster vessels used to store the organs of the deceased. The newly discovered chamber, concealed behind a 2,600-year-old stone wall, held four wooden coffins, adding to the site’s haunting array of treasures, which also includes thousands of shawabti figurines and a rare gilded silver mummy mask.
The Enigma of Didibastet’s Six Canopic Jars
One of the coffins belonged to a woman named Didibastet, whose burial raises unsettling questions. Dr. Ramadan Badri Hussein, Director of the University of Tübingen’s mission at Saqqara, revealed that Didibastet was buried with six canopic jars, defying the ancient Egyptian tradition of using four jars to preserve the lungs, stomach, intestines, and liver under the protection of the Four Sons of Horus (Imsety, Duamutef, Hapi, and Qebehsenuef). Using computerized tomography (CT) scans, researchers found that the two additional jars contained human tissue, though further analysis is needed to identify the specific organs. This anomaly suggests that Didibastet underwent a unique, possibly elite, mummification process that preserved six organs, hinting at secret rituals or privileged status.
The Serpent Goddess Niut-shaes and Her Priests
The excavation also uncovered inscriptions on coffins and sarcophagi that revealed the presence of priests and priestesses devoted to Niut-shaes, a mysterious snake goddess who rose to prominence during the 26th Dynasty. A statue of this enigmatic deity, discovered among the burial artifacts, has sent shivers through the archaeological community. The findings suggest that Niut-shaes may have had a major temple in Memphis, the ancient administrative capital. Among those buried were a priestess and priest named Ayput and Tjanimit, whose Libyan names indicate they were likely Egyptianized immigrants from the 22nd Dynasty onward (ca. 943–716 BC). This points to ancient Egypt’s multicultural society, which welcomed Libyans, Greeks, and Phoenicians, among others.
A Gilded Silver Mask of Unparalleled Purity
Among the most striking discoveries is a gilded silver mummy mask, found in 2018 on the face of a priestess of Niut-shaes. Non-invasive X-ray fluorescence testing revealed that the mask’s silver is 99.07% pure, surpassing the purity of modern sterling silver (92.5%). Adorned with gold gilding and eyes crafted from calcite, obsidian, and a black gemstone, this mask is only the third of its kind ever found in Egypt and the first since 1939. Its exquisite craftsmanship underscores the wealth and reverence associated with the cult of Niut-shaes.
The Dark Business of Death
The discoveries at Saqqara have peeled back the veil on the ancient Egyptian “business of death.” Dr. Hussein describes mummification as a transactional enterprise, where embalmers acted as priests, professionals, and savvy entrepreneurs. Papyrus records indicate that these embalmers offered tiered “mummification packages” tailored to different budgets. For wealthier clients, luxurious options like gilded silver masks were available, while more affordable alternatives, such as white plaster or gold foil masks, were offered to others. The well-preserved Mummification Workshop at Saqqara, one of the few surviving examples due to widespread looting and destruction, reveals that embalmers were adept at marketing their services, providing a range of burial options to suit every client’s needs.
A Glimpse into an Ancient Industry
According to National Geographic, the Saqqara workshop offers unprecedented insight into what was likely a vast funeral industry across ancient Egypt. The evidence suggests that embalmers were strategic in their offerings, ensuring accessibility while maintaining profitability. This entrepreneurial spirit is evident in the variety of materials and techniques found at the site, from high-end sarcophagi to simpler wooden coffins and shawabti figurines.
What Lies Ahead
The University of Tübingen’s mission will resume its investigation of the 26th Dynasty cemetery at Saqqara in the winter of 2020, promising further revelations about this shadowy chapter of ancient Egyptian history. The discoveries of the snake goddess Niut-shaes, the mysterious extra canopic jars, and the sophisticated business practices of embalmers continue to captivate and unsettle, offering a glimpse into the complex interplay of religion, commerce, and death in one of history’s greatest civilizations.