Recent archaeological discoveries at Al-Bahansa, Egypt, have unveiled more than a dozen mummified remains with gilded tongues, providing fresh insights into ancient Egyptian burial customs and religious beliefs.
The practice of placing golden tongues in the mouths of the deceased was believed to enable them to speak in the afterlife, particularly during the judgment by Osiris, the god of the afterlife. This custom reflects the Egyptians' understanding of life after death and their spiritual beliefs.
In addition to the golden tongues, the excavation revealed a mummy adorned with golden nails, heart amulets, burial urns, and canopic jars, marking the first discovery of such artifacts in this region. This work was conducted by a team from the University of Barcelona and the Ancient Middle East Institute in Germany.
Golden nails were typically associated with high-status individuals and were thought to protect the deceased during mummification and against spiritual threats. The discovery also included four intact limestone sarcophagi, with one containing a mummified man, a golden tongue, and a heart scarab, which was believed to aid the deceased's journey to the afterlife.
These findings shed light on the religious practices and funerary customs during the Ptolemaic period, emphasizing the importance Egyptians placed on the afterlife and the necessary items for a successful transition. Depictions of gods such as Osiris, Horus, and Anubis illustrate these beliefs.
This significant discovery at Al-Bahansa underscores the value of archaeological research in understanding ancient Egypt's rich history and cultural heritage.