ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science

Home → Science

Ancient prosthesis: a 3000-year-old Egyptian wooden toe

It belonged to the daughter of a priest close to the royal family.

Tibi PuiubyTibi Puiu
June 21, 2017 - Updated on June 23, 2017
in News, Science
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterSubmit to Reddit

RelatedPosts

Archaeologists uncover 4,500-year-old 59-foot boat at a site in Egypt
Egyptian archeologists put a wealth of new artifacts on display at the foot of the Step Pyramid of Djoser
Egyptian Archaeologists find 3,500 year old multi-tomb in Luxor
Oldest beer factory found in a 5,000-year-old Egyptian site
Ancient egyptian prosthetic thumb recovered from Theban tomb TT95. Credit: Matjaž Kačičnik.
Ancient Egyptian prosthetic toe recovered from Theban tomb TT95. Credit: Matjaž Kačičnik.

Almost 3,000 years ago in Egypt, a priest’s daughter lost her left toe. She didn’t die of infection but she didn’t feel content to walk the rest of her days through the streets with a missing digit either. So she had a wooden prosthesis perfectly matching her foot made for her. Though thousands of years have since past, this medical wonder has withstood the test of time, much to the delight of Egyptologists from the University of Basel.

This piggy went to Luxor

The Swiss researchers used modern microscopy, X-ray technology, and computer tomography to investigate the ancient wooden prosthetic in unprecedented detail. This way, they learned about the materials and techniques used to fashion the medical artifact recovered from the necropolis of Sheikh ´Abd el-Qurna close to Luxor.

The Early Iron Age artificial toe illustrates top-notch skill from behalf of the craftsmen who fashioned it. These people were clearly very familiar with human physiognomy being careful to emulate even the subtlest curves and features of the human toe. It was also very practical, demonstrating a keen sense of engineering, judging from the extension and the robust structure of the belt strap. It must have been very costly too — the wearer was of high status indeed.

It is a very fortunate find. Not only has the prosthesis withstood the elements and the test of time, but it survived ruthless bandits too. It was retrieved from a plundered burial chapel at the graveyard hill of Sheikh ´Abd el-Qurna. The thieves must have cared very little for a wooden ‘trinket’ when so much flashy richness awaited.

excavation_Area
View of the excavation area in the cemetery of Sheikh ´Abd el-Qurna (© University of Basel, LHTT. Image: Matjaž Kačičnik)

The chapel is part of a group of monumental, beautiful rock-cut tombs dated from the late 15th century BC raised for the small but influential upper class close to the royal family. Much later, the site turned into a home for locals – a process that began with the early Christian hermits and only ended in the early 20th century. For the past two years, Swiss researchers have been studying the Egyptian cemetery in hope of learning more about the ruling elite of the time.

Right now, the researchers are busy building digital models of the elevation, landscape, and architecture of this burial complex. Also, if you found this prosthesis interesting, read on about the 16th-century iron hand of a ‘cyborg knight’. 

Digital elevation model of the south western part of Sheikh ´Abd el-Qurna’s cemetery. Marked in color are the elevations of the excavation site. (© University of Basel, ETH Zurich. Model: E. Friedli/Z. Gojcic)
Digital elevation model of the southwestern part of Sheikh ´Abd el-Qurna’s cemetery. Marked in color are the elevations of the excavation site. Credit: University of Basel, ETH Zurich. Model: E. Friedli/Z. Gojcic
Tags: Egypt

ShareTweetShare
Tibi Puiu

Tibi Puiu

Tibi is a science journalist and co-founder of ZME Science. He writes mainly about emerging tech, physics, climate, and space. In his spare time, Tibi likes to make weird music on his computer and groom felines. He has a B.Sc in mechanical engineering and an M.Sc in renewable energy systems.

Related Posts

Chemistry

What Do Ancient Egyptian Mummies Smell Like? “Woody”, “Spicy” and Even “Sweet”

byTibi Puiu
5 months ago
Archaeology

4,000-year-old Egyptian skulls reveal earliest attempt to surgically treat cancer

byTibi Puiu
1 year ago
Archaeology

Researchers find the missing river that helped build the pyramids

byMihai Andrei
1 year ago
Archaeology

Mysterious “L-shaped” buried structure found near Pyramids of Giza

byMihai Andrei
1 year ago

Recent news

What’s Seasonal Body Image Dissatisfaction and How Not to Fall into Its Trap

June 28, 2025

Why a 20-Minute Nap Could Be Key to Unlocking ‘Eureka!’ Moments Like Salvador Dalí

June 28, 2025

The world’s oldest boomerang is even older than we thought, but it’s not Australian

June 27, 2025
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • How we review products
  • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Science News
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Space
  • Future
  • Features
    • Natural Sciences
    • Physics
      • Matter and Energy
      • Quantum Mechanics
      • Thermodynamics
    • Chemistry
      • Periodic Table
      • Applied Chemistry
      • Materials
      • Physical Chemistry
    • Biology
      • Anatomy
      • Biochemistry
      • Ecology
      • Genetics
      • Microbiology
      • Plants and Fungi
    • Geology and Paleontology
      • Planet Earth
      • Earth Dynamics
      • Rocks and Minerals
      • Volcanoes
      • Dinosaurs
      • Fossils
    • Animals
      • Mammals
      • Birds
      • Fish
      • Amphibians
      • Reptiles
      • Invertebrates
      • Pets
      • Conservation
      • Animal facts
    • Climate and Weather
      • Climate change
      • Weather and atmosphere
    • Health
      • Drugs
      • Diseases and Conditions
      • Human Body
      • Mind and Brain
      • Food and Nutrition
      • Wellness
    • History and Humanities
      • Anthropology
      • Archaeology
      • History
      • Economics
      • People
      • Sociology
    • Space & Astronomy
      • The Solar System
      • Sun
      • The Moon
      • Planets
      • Asteroids, meteors & comets
      • Astronomy
      • Astrophysics
      • Cosmology
      • Exoplanets & Alien Life
      • Spaceflight and Exploration
    • Technology
      • Computer Science & IT
      • Engineering
      • Inventions
      • Sustainability
      • Renewable Energy
      • Green Living
    • Culture
    • Resources
  • Videos
  • Reviews
  • About Us
    • About
    • The Team
    • Advertise
    • Contribute
    • Editorial policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.