Bashiri, “The Untouchable”: the mummy that scientists have not dared to touch for over a century
The mummy was discovered in 1919, is covered with bandages that mimic the Pyramids of Giza, and remains in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, untouched by anyone.
When we think of iconic mummies or artifacts from ancient Egypt, names like Tutankhamun, Ramses II, or the bust of Nefertiti come to mind. However, hidden in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo for over a century is one of the most enigmatic mummies in history: Bashiri, “The Untouchable.”
It was discovered in 1919 in the Valley of the Kings by the legendary Egyptologist Howard Carter, the same man who unearthed Tutankhamun’s tomb three years later. The strange thing is that none of his team members dared to unwrap it to see inside, unlike most other mummies, which were unwrapped without hesitation. Bashiri remains untouched, still wrapped in its original linen bandages, with no one daring to disturb it.
The reason is that the bandages covering it form an intricate puzzle with patterns that seem to mimic the Pyramids of Giza. No one feels capable of dismantling this complex arrangement to study the mummy’s interior and then reassemble it exactly as it was. Not to mention the fragility of the linen fabric. Additionally, it is so well preserved that Egyptologists have made significant advancements in studying Egyptian mummification techniques without even unwrapping it.
Another great mystery is the identity of the person beneath the bandages. Partially legible inscriptions near the wrappings suggest the name Bashiri (meaning “prophet” in Arabic) or possibly Neno, but no one knows for sure who this person was. It is known that he was a male, about 1.67 meters (5′6″) tall, who lived during the Ptolemaic period in the early 3rd century BCE. The complexity of the bandages suggests that he was a high-ranking figure, but no one knows exactly why he was given a unique wrapping style that was not even used for the great pharaohs. This extraordinary care may indicate the deep respect his loved ones had for him.
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Advanced imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, and 3D imaging have helped uncover some of Bashiri’s hidden secrets. Numerous amulets were found strategically placed within the wrappings to protect the deceased on his journey to the afterlife. Among them are scarabs symbolizing regeneration, Horus eyes for protection, ankhs representing eternal life, and djeds for strength. Rings, necklaces, papyrus fragments with hieroglyphic inscriptions, and clay figurines known as ushabtis, meant to become servants in the next life, have also been discovered. All these objects are made of gold, precious stones, or ceramics.
Bashiri, “The Untouchable,” will remain in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, untouched and waiting for new non-invasive research techniques that can continue to reveal its secrets.
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