Bashiri, “The Untouchable”: the mummy scientists have not dared to touch for over a century
The mummy was discovered in 1919, is covered by bandages that mimic the pyramids of Giza, and is still in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
When thinking of the mummies and iconic objects of ancient Egypt, Tutankhamun and Ramses II or the bust of Nefertiti are often the first that come to mind, but in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, hidden for more than a century, is one of the most enigmatic mummies ever discovered: Bashiri, “The Untouchable”.
It was discovered in 1919 in the Valley of the Kings by the mythical Egyptologist Howard Carter, the same one who three years later discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun. The curious thing is that none of the members of his team dared to unwrap it to see inside, as was done without shame with most of the rest of the mummies. And Bashiri is still exactly as it was found, wrapped in the original linen bandages without anyone being bold enough to unwrap it.
The reason is that the bandage covering her is a real puzzle with intricate patterns that seem to mimic the pyramids of Giza. No one feels able to disassemble the complicated work in order to study the inside of the mummy, and reassemble it at the end to leave it exactly as it was. Not to mention the fragility of the linen cloth. Moreover, it is in such a good state of preservation that Egyptologists have made great advances in the study of Egyptian mummification techniques without having to unwrap it.
Who is contained within the Bashiri mummy
Another great mystery is who rests under the bandages. Partially legible inscriptions next to the bandages suggest the name Bashiri (Arabic for prophet), or perhaps Neno, but no one knows for sure who that person was. He is known to be a male, 5′ 6″ in height, who lived in the Ptolemaic period in the early 3rd century BC. The complexity of the bandages suggests that he was a high-ranking figure, but no one knows exactly the reasons for a unique bandage that was not even used by the great pharaohs. Such special care may have its explanation in the great respect felt for him by those close to him.
The use of X-rays, computerized tomography and three-dimensional images have made it possible to discover some of the secrets hidden inside Bashiri. Numerous amulets have been found strategically placed among the bandages to protect the deceased on his journey to the afterlife. Among them are scarabs as a symbol of regeneration, eyes of Horus for protection, ankhs for eternal life and djeds for strength. Rings and necklaces, papyrus fragments with hieroglyphic inscriptions and clay figurines known as ushebtis that would become servants in the afterlife have also appeared. All objects are made with gold, precious stones or ceramics.
Bashiri, “The Untouchable”, will remain in the Cairo Museum without anyone daring to desecrate it, and pending the emergence of more non-invasive research techniques that can continue to reveal its secrets.
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