Mummy S. 293

Mummy S. 293 (Museo Egizio, Torino)

Provenance: unknown (Gebelein as a possible provenance)

Mummy S. 293 was a male (20-30 years old) dated to 3700-3500 BC. The results of the analysis of 'embalming agents' employed in the funerary treatment of the body revealed a complex mixture. It was determined that the mummy was preserved through embalming using a mixture composed of a plant oil, with far lesser amounts of a heated conifer resin, an aromatic plant extract/‘balsam’ and a plant gum/sugar. Notably, diterpenes (such as dehydroabietic acid) present in the conifer resin provided strong antibacterial properties, playing a vital role in the preservation of the body.

A man harpooning a hippopotamus in the muzzle and a crocodile on C-Ware bowl, Naqada IA-IIB period

Below the crocodile, an elongated shape with a round end probably represents the stick associated with Mummy S. 293.

Narmer Palette (recto), Hierakonpolis, ca. 3000 BC	Dorsal view of the skull of a crocodile

Pair of sandals on the Narmer Palette, Hierakonpolis

Pair of leather sandals, associated with mummy S. 293, 3900-3300 BC

Tattoos have been identified on two mummies, one male and one female, dating from 3351 to 3017 BC, discovered at Gebelein. On the male's upper right arm, tattoos depicting a Barbary sheep and an aurochs were revealed under infrared light. On the female, the tattoos revealed four "S"-shaped motifs on her right shoulder and what appears to be an "L"-shaped wooden stick on her upper right arm.

Mummy S. 293 (?)

Wall painting from Tomb 100 at Hierakonpolis, ca. 3500-3200 BC

The two black curved lines over his chest probably represent the straps for his bag.

Bag (fragments) made of ostrich skin, associated with mummy S. 293, 3900-3300 BC

Drawing of the rock inscription tableau near the mouth of the Wadi of the Horus Qa-a, late Naqada II period

The figure with long, thin beard wears his bag over his shoulder.

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March 18, 2025   Takahiko Nakagawa