The Egyptian Mummy Whose Name We Still Can't Identify

This Egyptian mummy in the Louvre belonged to an adult man who lived during the Ptolemaic period, between around 305 and 30 BCE. X-ray examination established that the individual was male, but his exact identity remains uncertain. His name was written quickly and can be read in two possible ways, "Bashiri" or "Ninu". His body was carefully wrapped in linen, with an especially unusual geometric pattern covering the face. He was also buried with a mask, a broad chest collar and a funerary apron extending toward the feet. These elements provide a glimpse into the funerary traditions of Ptolemaic Egypt and the care taken in preparing the dead for the afterlife. During Egyptian mummification, most internal organs were removed and preserved separately, while the heart was generally left in the body because of its importance in Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife. The brain was treated differently. Ancient Egyptian embalmers generally removed it through the nose, using specialized instruments, and discarded it. This unnamed mummy therefore preserves not only a human body, but also evidence of the rituals and beliefs surrounding death in Ptolemaic Egypt. 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archevault 📺 Main Channel: @Archevault