Great Discoveries: Ancient Jewelry, Mirrors Found at 4,000-Year-Old Tomb – WorthPoint

Archaeologists recently unearthed a 4,000-year-old tomb containing eleven sealed burials in Egypt’s South Asasif necropolis, according to Fox News. These archaeologists found jewelry, copper mirrors with ivory handles, and other items within the tomb.

Among the notable pieces of jewelry discovered at the tomb was a necklace made of amethyst and agate beads surrounding a hippo head amulet. This was part of a “beautiful collection of exquisitely crafted jewelry well-preserved” from the site, said Dr. Elena Pischikova, director of the South Asasif Conservation Project, an excavation mission run by a team of American and Egyptian archaeologists.

Pischikova pointed out that one of the tomb’s mirrors features a lentiform handle resembling a lotus petal. The other mirror includes a design of a four-faced Hathor, the Egyptian goddess of love, fertility, beauty, music, dancing, and pleasure. The design highlights Hathor’s “austere features,” Pischikova noted.

Ultimately, the tomb discovery alters South Asasif’s history, placing it “within the sprawling Theban Middle Kingdom necropolis,” Pischikova stated.

The tomb dates back to the Middle Kingdom period between 1938 B.C. and 1630 B.C. It contains coffins for men, women, and children, indicating that it may have been used by one family across multiple generations.

Pischikova said the tomb represents a “significant discovery” relative to the Theban necropolis because it provides insights into burial practices and rituals used in the Middle Kingdom.

Those who want to view more ancient Egyptian jewelry pieces can see several items in the WorthPoint Price Guide.

Dan Kobialka is a self-employed content writer and editor with about a decade of experience. He produces content across a wide range of industries, including antiques, insurance, and real estate. To learn more about Dan, please visit his website. 

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