Unveiling the Secrets of Bashiri: The Untouchable Mummy

Today, Bashiri—better known as “The Untouchable”—is one of Egypt’s most mysterious mummies. Almost 100 years ago, archaeologists discovered Bashiri in the famed Valley of the Kings, near the historic city of Luxor. Since then, it has charmed scholars and historians, young and old. Famed Egyptologist Howard Carter discovered his mummy in 1919. This exciting find came only three years before he would make his most famous discovery—the monumental tomb of Tutankhamun. Bashiri’s elaborate shrouds and unique body masks evoke the structured magnificence of Egyptian pyramids. These impressive artifacts, with a reflected high societal status, have generated a wealth of archaeological and art historical study.

The mystery surrounding Bashiri extends to his identity, with only a hastily written inscription inside his tomb to offer clues. This inscription might identify him with the name of “Bashiri” or “Neno.” These meager details have cranked up the imagination and continued investigation through the use of non-invasive tools such as high-powered CT scans and X-rays. These technologies reveal that Bashiri was approximately 5’6, or 167 cm. Lived Life during the Ptolemaic Period (2nd –early 3rd centuries BCE).

Bashiri’s tomb features a breathtaking bodice. It is beautifully illustrated with images of him stretched out on a bed, cradled by the goddess Isis and her sister Nephthys. At his side are the four sons of the god Horus, child of Isis, further emphasizing his divine and sacred status. These ornate details provide a glimpse into Bashiri’s life and untimely death. They argue his powerful influence and the immense regard he was held in ancient Egyptian culture.

Even more so, the complex layering of materials on Bashiri’s visage emulates the architectural structure of a pyramid. This unique attribute is viewed as a sign of esteem and status. This affinity with Egypt’s most famous monuments has made it so that experts have studied his remains in unprecedented detail. Non-invasive techniques have been instrumental in the conservation of the mummy. They have helped researchers learn more about Bashiri’s life and the time period in which he lived.