Takabuti, a young Theban woman of the 25th Dynasty, believed to have died in her twenties or early thirties, has captivated the attention of modern researchers and ancient history enthusiasts alike. Born to a Priest of Amun named Nespara and a woman called Tasenirit, Takabuti is thought to have been a married woman residing in Thebes. Two titles, “Mistress of a Great House” and “Noblewoman,” adorned her coffin in hieroglyphs, shedding light on her status and upbringing.
Recently, on the 185th anniversary of Takabuti’s mummy being unveiled, a team of researchers conducted various tests on her remains at the Kingsbridge Private Hospital. Led by experts from The University of Manchester, including Professor Rosalie David and Geneticist Dr. Konstantina Drosou, the study uncovered remarkable findings.
Contrary to the assumptions of 19th-century Egyptologists, modern CT scanning revealed that Takabuti’s heart had been carefully preserved within her chest, debunking previous misconceptions about its absence or improper placement. This detail was crucial, as Ancient Egyptians believed the heart to be the seat of the soul in the afterlife.
Furthermore, X-rays unveiled a rare anomaly in Takabuti’s dental structure—an extra tooth, a trait found in only 0.02% of the population. Her unique genetic footprint, identified as H4a1 by Dr. Drosou, puzzled experts due to its rarity among ancient and modern Egyptian populations, hinting at intriguing possibilities about migration patterns.
However, the most poignant discovery was the revelation of Takabuti’s tragic demise. Analysis indicated that she was a victim of murder, having suffered a fatal stab wound to her upper left chest wall, likely caused by an axe. The meticulous embalming process performed by ancient Egyptians to address her wound showcased the care taken even in death.
Dr. Loynes, a retired orthopedic surgeon involved in the analysis, emphasized the severity of Takabuti’s injury, stating that it undoubtedly led to her rapid death. Professor Eileen Murphy, a bioarchaeologist at Queen’s University, Belfast, highlighted the stark contrast between Takabuti’s serene appearance in her coffin and the violent end she had met.
Takabuti’s story, encompassing elements of intrigue, tragedy, and scientific discovery, offers a captivating glimpse into the lives and customs of ancient Egypt, underscoring the enduring fascination with mummies and the mysteries they hold.
