Takabuti is the name given to a mummified woman from ancient Egypt who lived approximately 2,600 years ago. Her preserved remains have become the subject of scientific study, offering a window into life and death during the 25th Dynasty. Modern analytical techniques have uncovered specific details about her life, her violent death, and even her genetic heritage.
The Life and Status of Takabuti
Hieroglyphic inscriptions on her coffin provide a foundation for understanding Takabuti’s place in society. She lived in Thebes around 660 B.C., near the end of Egypt’s Twenty-fifth Dynasty. The writings identify her as a “mistress of the house,” a title indicating she was a high-status woman who managed a large household.
Her parentage confirms her elite standing. The inscriptions name her father as Nespare, a priest of the god Amun, and her mother as Tasenirit. This role was a powerful position, placing Takabuti firmly within the city’s upper echelon.
Discovery and Journey to Ireland
Takabuti’s story in the modern era began in 1834. Her coffin and mummified body were discovered in a tomb complex west of Thebes and were purchased by Thomas Greg. He transported the mummy to Ireland, making Takabuti the first known Egyptian mummy to arrive on the island.
Upon its arrival in Belfast, the mummy became an object of public and scientific curiosity. On January 27, 1835, Takabuti was publicly unwrapped at the Belfast Natural History Society’s museum, where Egyptologist Edward Hincks deciphered the coffin’s hieroglyphs. She was later donated to the society and became an exhibit at the Ulster Museum.
Unraveling the Mystery of Her Death
For many years, the cause of Takabuti’s death remained a mystery. The truth was revealed through modern medical imaging technology. A series of X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans allowed researchers to examine her body non-invasively, uncovering clear evidence of a traumatic injury.
The analysis pinpointed a severe wound in her upper back, near her left shoulder. The injury pattern suggests she was stabbed from behind with a sharp, heavy blade, likely an axe common to soldiers of that period. The location and severity of the wound indicate that her death was almost instantaneous.
This discovery ended decades of speculation, confirming she was murdered. While the identity of her attacker and the motive remain unknown, the evidence established that Takabuti was the victim of a homicide.
Reconstructing Her Appearance and Health
Scientific analysis has reconstructed her physical appearance and health. Digital facial reconstruction techniques have provided a lifelike approximation of her face. These studies, combined with direct examination, revealed she had naturally curly brown hair, which had been styled. It is estimated that she was in her late 20s or early 30s when she died.
DNA analysis has yielded surprising results regarding her genetic background. Her mitochondrial DNA belongs to haplogroup H4a1, which is more common among modern European populations than in modern Egyptians. This finding suggests a European maternal lineage.
Scans of her skeleton also revealed two rare biological traits. Takabuti had 33 vertebrae instead of the usual 32, and she also possessed an extra tooth. The discovery of her intact heart, previously thought missing, helps complete a detailed biological profile.