Chilling Mystery of the Silver Mask (Full Episode) | Kingdom of Mummies | National Geographic

Key Concepts

• Saqqara Necropolis: An ancient Egyptian burial ground, a significant archaeological site.
• 26th Dynasty: A period in ancient Egyptian history (circa 664-525 BC) known for religious and burial innovations.
• Mummification: The process of preserving a body after death.
• Sarcophagus: A stone coffin.
• Anthropoid Sarcophagus: A sarcophagus shaped like a human body.
• Grave Goods: Objects placed with the deceased to aid them in the afterlife.
• Niut-shaes: An obscure serpent goddess worshipped by some individuals in the complex.
• Canopic Jars: Jars used to store the internal organs of the deceased during mummification.
• Photogrammetry: A digital imaging technique used to create 3D models from overlapping photographs.
• Gilded Silver Burial Mask: A mask made of silver covered with gold foil, used in burials.
• Priestess: A female priest.

Archaeological Excavation at Saqqara

Discovery of a Remarkable Funeral Complex

Archaeologists, led by renowned Egyptologist Dr. Ramadan Hussein, have unearthed a significant ancient Egyptian funeral complex in the Saqqara necropolis. Extensive 3-D scans indicate the complex dates back to around 600 BC, during the 26th Dynasty. This period is noted for a "huge renaissance in religion and burial ideas," making the find a crucial "snapshot in time" for understanding mummification practices. The complex features numerous chambers deep underground where the dead were mummified and buried.

Notable Finds

Among the treasures discovered are:

• First Gilded Silver Mummy Mask in Nearly a Century: This artifact is described as "very rare" and a significant find.
• Wealth of Grave Goods: Objects intended to ensure a good afterlife for the deceased.
• Two Sealed Sarcophagi: Located almost 100 feet below the surface, these sarcophagi are unique within the complex because they are both inscribed with text.

Inscriptions and Identification of Buried Individuals

The inscriptions on the sarcophagi are considered a vital means of "communication with the ancients," allowing archaeologists to "read the minds of these two persons." The ancient Egyptians believed that writing down the name of the deceased ensured their immortality. The texts on these sarcophagi reveal two male names: Tjanimit and Ayput. Crucially, the inscriptions also identify their professions, and both are identified as priests. This raises the question of their connection and why two priests share the same tomb.

The Role and Wealth of Priests

Project consultant Salima Ikram explains that priests were "a cornerstone of ancient Egyptian society," possessing "power, wealth, and influence." Their burial in this complex signifies an "elite burial place." To illustrate the potential wealth of priests, the tomb of Padiamenopet in Luxor is presented as a case study. Padiamenopet's tomb is the largest non-royal tomb in Luxor, showcasing exquisite workmanship and lavish decoration, indicating he was one of the "richest and most influential men" of his time. Priests were not solely religious figures; they were also involved in politics, industry, and even the military, amassing wealth from "a huge number of different sources."

Unveiling Tjanimit's Sarcophagus

The Opening Process

The team, led by foreman Ammar, begins the process of opening the rectangular sarcophagus of Tjanimit. The thick layer of mortar sealing the lid, intended to deter grave robbers, indicates the sarcophagus has remained untouched for 2,600 years. The opening is described as a "three-man job" and an "intense moment."

Discovery of Tjanimit's Mummy and Shroud

An inspection camera reveals "glittering stuff" inside. The sarcophagus contains a 2,600-year-old mummy adorned with an "elaborate beaded burial shroud," remarkably preserved and "still in one piece." Ramadan Hussein describes the shroud as "so elegant" and "beautiful," calling it one of the most "remarkable sarcophagus[es]" he has ever opened. He expresses a strong desire to "bring Tjanimit back to life" and tell his story.

The Weight and Safety Concerns of Moving the Lid

The limestone lid weighs almost 2,000 pounds and is moved using steel rollers. The primary concerns during this process are the "safety of the living" and the "safety of the dead," ensuring the lid does not damage the mummy or any objects within.

Tjanimit's Beaded Shroud and Identity

Upon full revelation, Tjanimit's mummy is covered in a shroud made from hundreds of glazed clay beads. Its quality signifies Tjanimit was a "wealthy individual." The preservation of the "beaded net and the necklace after 2,600 years" is described as "unbelievable" and "beautiful." The question of who Tjanimit was to deserve such an elaborate burial remains.

The Serpent Goddess Niut-shaes

Ramadan identifies a mysterious name and titles on Tjanimit's sarcophagus, connecting him to prominent Egyptian gods and goddesses. Intriguingly, Tjanimit is identified as a priest of a "serpent goddess" named Niut-shaes. This name is rarely encountered, making it a peculiar discovery.

Investigating Niut-shaes in Luxor

To learn more about Niut-shaes, Salima Ikram visits Luxor Temple, a repository of information on Egyptian deities. She finds a "tiny but familiar-looking inscription" on the temple walls, featuring a circle, a hook, and a snake, matching the description of Niut-shaes. Salima notes that Niut-shaes is not a "very significant" deity with only a "handful of mentions" throughout Egyptian history. However, Tjanimit's role as her priest elevates her status, making her an "independent entity" and "somebody."

The Priestess with the Silver Mask and the Discovery of Didi Bastet

A Second Priest of Niut-shaes and the Silver Mask

Remarkably, in a tomb next to the priests' chamber, a mummy wearing a "priceless gilded silver burial mask" is discovered. This is the first such mask found in Egypt for almost a century. The text on its coffin reveals the owner was also a priest and worshipped Niut-shaes. This discovery signifies a "revolution" in understanding this goddess, with two individuals in the complex connected to her.

Unearthing Didi Bastet's Burial Chamber

A new burial chamber is opened, revealing a "really big room with a number of wooden coffins" and a "wooden box with a calcite canopic jar." Canopic jars were used to store organs for eternal life. Ramadan identifies the name on one jar as Didi Bastet. This name is significant because it matches the name of Tjanimit's mother, as indicated on his sarcophagus. This discovery is described as a "family reunion."

Preserving Fragile Contents with Photogrammetry

The chamber's contents are extremely fragile due to 2,500 years of heat and humidity. To preserve them, the team uses photogrammetry, a digital imaging technique that stitches together hundreds of photographs to create a 3-D model. Ramadan likens archaeology to being a "detective on the site," collecting information and asking questions.

The Unprecedented Six Canopic Jars

The 3-D model of Didi Bastet's tomb reveals something "unique" and "unprecedented": an apparent set of six canopic jars, two more than the standard four. Ramadan has contacted colleagues, and the consensus is that this is "unheard of" and "something new."

CT Scans Reveal Human Tissue in Extra Jars

The two extra canopic jars are taken to Cairo's Egyptian Museum for CT scanning. Sahar Saleem, using the scanner, identifies "human tissue" within both jars. Ramadan speculates that these extra jars might contain organs not typically embalmed, such as the brain and kidneys, which "never been embalmed in ancient Egypt." This suggests Didi Bastet may have purchased an "extra package" for the embalming and preservation of these organs. Salima Ikram notes this indicates the "status of women in ancient Egypt," who commanded "great deal of power, prestige, wealth, and independence."

The Gilded Silver Mask and Priestly Wealth

The gilded silver burial mask, belonging to a priest named Aawit, is highlighted as one of the most valuable artifacts found in ancient Egypt in the last 100 years. Silver was highly precious, "almost double the value of gold," and believed to be the "bones of the gods." The mask's composition is analyzed using X-rays. The results show an astonishing purity of silver (99%) and gold, a level of quality "only seen with royals, not with commoners." This confirms the immense wealth of priests and suggests a thriving "funeral business" offering premium services.

The Gender Revelation of Ayput and the Priestess with the Silver Mask

Ayput's Mummy and the Unexpected Arm Position

The mummy of Ayput, initially identified as a priest, is revealed. While the mummy is beautifully wrapped in black bitumen, Ramadan observes an unexpected arm position: the left arm crossed over the chest, and the right arm extended along the body. This pose is "restricted to women of high status." This leads to the mind-blowing realization that Ayput might be a woman, a "priestess" rather than a priest. Ramadan describes his understanding of Ayput as a "rollercoaster of understanding."

X-ray Confirmation of Ayput's Gender

Radiologist Sahar Saleem conducts X-rays of Ayput's mummy. The scans confirm the arm position is characteristic of a woman's burial. Further analysis of the skull and pelvis also indicates female characteristics. The X-ray results definitively state that "Ayput is a woman, not a man."

Potential Second Priestess: The Mummy with the Silver Mask

Ramadan then turns his attention to the mummy with the gilded silver mask, initially assumed to be male. Salima Ikram identifies a "sharp brow," a "female trait," and notes the mummy also exhibits the crossed arm position, "only seen with female mummies." This suggests the potential discovery of a second priestess.

Significance of Priestesses and the Cult of Niut-shaes

The potential discovery of priestesses is significant, revealing the "social status" of women in ancient Egypt, who had "many more rights and were far more equal to men than elsewhere." The worship of Niut-shaes by three individuals in the complex, including the priestess with the silver mask, is also significant. Shaft K24 has the "largest number of mentions of the goddess Niut-shaes in one place in the entire country of Egypt," suggesting the discovery of a "new cult" dedicated to this goddess.

Ongoing Research and Rewriting History

The team continues their excavation, driven by questions like whether Niut-shaes had her own shrine. Their mission is to "look for information and rewriting the story of every individual" discovered, viewing this as a "lifelong research project."