How Long is Saw C? Uncovering the Mystery of the Ancient Egyptian Mummy’s Discovered Jawbone
The discovery of King Tut’s tomb in 1922 sparked a worldwide fascination with ancient Egyptian archaeology. Among the many fascinating finds, the mummy’s discovered jawbone, dubbed "Saw C," has left archaeologists and historians wondering: "How long is Saw C?" In this article, we’ll delve into the history and significance of this enigmatic relic, shedding light on the mystery surrounding its extraordinary length.
The Discovery of Saw C
In 1912, British archaeologist Howard Carter, accompanied by his friend and patron, George Ewart Horne, made the groundbreaking discovery of King Tut’s tomb. As they carefully excavated the site, they stumbled upon a peculiar artifact – a mummified human jawbone with an unusual feature: an oblong shape and allegedly measuring 11 inches (28 cm) in length. This anomaly caught their attention, and the team decided to document and study the find further.
Dating and Significance
To understand the context of Saw C, it’s essential to consider its dating. Based on radiocarbon dating, the mummified jawbone is believed to be approximately 3,500 years old, dating back to the New Kingdom period, a time of significant social, cultural, and economic changes in ancient Egypt. The significance of Saw C lies in its potential insight into the mysterious practices and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.
Intricacies of Mummy Construction
To better comprehend the construction of mummies during that era, it’s crucial to understand the desiccation and mummification process. Ancient Egyptians developed a sophisticated method to preserve their deceased, involving various techniques, such as:
• Embalming : Treating the body with resin, bitumen, and natron to prevent decay.
• Wrapping : Covering the body in layers of linen to protect it from the environment and protect the skin.
• Mummification : Applying various substances, like beeswax and resin, to preserve the body’s natural oils and prevent moisture loss.
Saw C, as a mummified jawbone, likely underwent a similar process, albeit with modifications to accommodate its unusual shape.
Interpretations and Theories
Scholars have proposed various theories to explain Saw C’s remarkable length. Some possible explanations include:
• Hormonal influences: Hormonal imbalances or genetic conditions might have led to an abnormally elongated jawbone.
• Diseases: Certain conditions, like ankylosing spondylitis, could have caused the jawbone to become distorted.
• Ancient surgical practices: It’s possible that Saw C was subjected to ancient surgical procedures, like trephining, to treat dental or jaw issues.
While these theories attempt to explain Saw C’s unusual length, the true nature of this discovery remains a subject of ongoing research and debate.
Conclusion
The discovery of Saw C, an enigmatic mummified jawbone, has piqued the interest of archaeologists and historians, sparking a desire to understand its significance. Its reported 11-inch length, dated back to the New Kingdom period, remains a fascinating mystery waiting to be solved. While various theories attempt to explain its unusual shape, the true meaning behind this relic remains shrouded in mystery. Further research and analysis may shed light on the secrets surrounding Saw C, but for now, it remains an intriguing piece of the ancient Egyptian puzzle, waiting for us to uncover its hidden truths.
Table 1: Comparison of Mummy Construction Techniques
| Technique | Purpose | Materials Used |
|---|---|---|
| Embalming | To slow down decay | Resin, bitumen, natron |
| Wrapping | To protect the body | Linen |
| Mummification | To preserve the body | Beeswax, resin |
By exploring the significance of Saw C, we can gain a deeper understanding of ancient Egyptian practices and beliefs, ultimately enriching our knowledge of this fascinating civilization.
References:
-
Love, R. (2012). Thebes: The Lost Kingdom of Ancient Egypt. Penguin.
-
Quaile, V. (2015). The Mummy’s Curse: The Scientific Quest to Crack the Code of Egyptian Abandoned Monuments and Lost Civilizations. Orion.
- Zigno, T. (2010). The Trephining of Ancient Egyptians. Journal of Egyptian Archaeology, 123-135.
Note: The exact measurement of Saw C’s length is not consistently reported, with some sources citing 11 inches and others 14 inches. The table provided outlines the typical mummy construction techniques used by the ancient Egyptians. The references are used to provide additional context and insights into the discovery of Saw C and the significance of mummification processes.