the mummy of Maherperi

The mummy of Maherperi, which translates to "Lion of the Battlefield", depicts a young man believed to be around 25-30 years old.

Unfortunately, little is known about

Maherperi, and the only sources that provide some insight are the inscriptions found on items within his tomb (KV36). His name translates to "Lion of the Battlefield", suggesting a possible role in the army, along with titles such as "Follower of the King on his campaigns to the foreign lands, north and south" and "Bearer of the fan on the right side of the King

Maherperi's mummy was unwrapped by George Daressy on March 22, 1901. Researchers found that he was exceptionally well-mummified, with even gold foil placed on the incision scar on his hip. Despite the loss of skin on the soles of his feet, Egyptologists believe it occurred during the mummification process rather than through theft, indicating Maherperi was in remarkable condition

At first glance, Maherperi's most notable feature is his beautifully styled narrow curled hair, but upon closer inspection, it was discovered to be a wig sewn onto his mother's scalp. The reason for this remains uncertain; it could have been to cover a wound or serve as a cosmetic choice, requiring further investigation

It's also noteworthy that Maherperi was an uncircumcised male, possibly indicating a foreign tradition different from ancient Egyptians despite his upbringing within Egyptian culture. Circumcision was "widely practiced" in ancient Egypt dating back to the Old Kingdom likely even earlier.

The cause of Maherperi's death remains unknown, with no significant wounds or external signs of physical illness providing answers

Based on artistic depictions and Maherperi's mummy, it's generally accepted that Maherperi was of Nubian origin. Perhaps hinting at his military lifestyle, he was buried alongside a collection of arrows (Nubians were renowned archers enlisted in the Egyptian army) forearm guards, and even collars for dogs. Dogs were used by the Egyptian army as evident in numerous battle scenes during the New Kingdom period.

Maherperi's employment or service under King Maherperi hasn't been confirmed. However, based on funerary items and the mummification process, it's certain he lived during the New Kingdom period, likely within the Eighteenth Dynasty