Her body has lain undisturbed for almost 3,000 years.
Now, thanks to modern technology, the secrets of Tamut’s life are being unwrapped without upsetting her peace.
Using a CT scanner in London hospitals, experts from the British Museum peered through the intricately decorated burial case and the multiple layers of linen bandages to the person hidden inside.The electronic excavation showed Tamut to have received the most lavish level of mummification, with amulets and other mystical jewels buried with her.
These include artificial eyes, to allow her to see in the afterlife, thin plates of gold or another precious metal on her finger and toe nails and metal plates designed to magically heal the wounds left by the embalmer.
Some of the amulets were placed on her body – others were put inside, beside her vital organs.
Her hair was short, likely because she wore a wig, and examination of her pelvis suggests she was at least 35 when she died. The cause of death is unknown – but the scans provide a tantalising clue.
They show a large part of the femoral artery in her upper thigh to be clogged with fat, a piece of which could have broken off and triggered a heart attack or a stroke.
