The mummified remains examined in this report were unearthed during a systematic excavation in the necropolis of Thebes (modern-day Luxor), Egypt, an area renowned for elite burials dating from the New Kingdom period, approximately 1300–1100 BCE. The discovery occurred in a sealed rock-cut tomb situated on the western bank of the Nile, where generations of high-status individuals were interred. The excavation was carried out under the supervision of the Luxor Archaeological Survey Mission, a collaborative project between the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities and the Insтιтute for Ancient Civilizations. Stratigraphic analysis, artifact ᴀssociation, and carbon-14 testing collectively support the proposed date range for the mummy. The preservation state, including the integrity of the wrappings and anatomical features, further aligns with embalming traditions characteristic of the late XVIII to early XX Dynasty.

The mummy demonstrates a high level of funerary craftsmanship. The body is preserved through the traditional Egyptian mummification process involving dehydration with natron, removal of internal organs, and careful anointing with resins and aromatic oils. The hand—featured prominently in the pH๏τographic documentation—reveals linen wrappings reinforced with slender golden or copper alloy rings, possibly symbolic markers of status or identifiers of office. Resin-soaked bandages created a rigid casing, while fine layers of textile preserved the contours of muscles and bones. The facial features, though desiccated, show meticulous modeling: the embalmers filled recesses with resinous compounds to maintain lifelike structure. The artistry reflects the advanced technical knowledge of Theban mortuary priests, who combined ritual expertise with anatomical precision.

This mummy served not only as a preserved body but also as an artifact of profound spiritual purpose. Within ancient Egyptian belief systems, preservation of the physical form ensured the continuity of the ka (life force) in the afterlife. The rings on the fingers may have functioned as protective amulets or indicators of social idenтιтy, allowing the deceased to be recognized by deities during judgment. The meticulous preservation of the head and hands—critical symbolic components ᴀssociated with speech, action, and idenтιтy—underscores their ritual importance. Moreover, the mummy functioned as a focal point in funerary rites, including daily offerings and recitations intended to revitalize the spirit. Thus, the artifact embodies the intersection of religious ideology, social hierarchy, and mortuary science.

Following the excavation, the mummy underwent high-resolution imaging and CT scanning, enabling researchers to reconstruct the individual’s physical condition and embalming sequence. Preliminary analyses indicate an adult male, likely between 40–55 years of age, who may have belonged to the administrative or priestly elite of Thebes. The careful bandaging of the neck and placement of the hands across the torso correspond with high-status burial conventions. The excavation team documented every layer of wrappings and material composition, contributing to broader research on regional embalming variations. Preservation of the mummy’s surface details—such as the texture of the skin and visible tendons—provides rare insight into both funerary methodology and the biological realities of individuals living in New Kingdom Thebes.

The Luxor Archaeological Survey Mission, led by Dr. Mariam El-Sharif with specialists from Egypt, Europe, and East Asia, conducted the excavation and conservation efforts. The project emphasizes ethical excavation, meticulous recording, and community cooperation. The discovery of this mummy adds valuable data to ongoing studies of New Kingdom mortuary practices and contributes to a growing digital archive of human remains for anthropological research. The team’s interdisciplinary approach—combining archaeology, bio-anthropology, chemistry, and epigraphy—ensures that the artifact is contextualized both scientifically and culturally. As a result, the mummy stands today not merely as a relic but as a silent witness to the rituals, craftsmanship, and beliefs of ancient Egyptian civilization.