- Lortet and Gaillard Expedition: In 1905, French Egyptologists Louis Lortet and Claude Gaillard travelled to Luxor, Egypt, to explore mummified monkeys discovered in Gabbanat el-Qurud, popularly known as the ‘Valley of the Monkeys’.
- remarkable Discoveries: They uncovered baboon remains, which was remarkable given that baboons are not endemic to Egypt.
Resolving the Mystery of Mummified Baboons
- The scientists analysed mitochondrial DNA to trace the baboons’ ancestors to ancient Adulis in modern-day coastal Eritrea.
- DNA Comparison: To identify the geographical origin, ancient DNA from a mummified baboon was matched to DNA from current baboons.
- Dr. Kopp’s Opinions: She emphasised considerable study on baboon genetic diversity, which aids in reliable comparisons.
- The research also proposed a likely location for the lost city of Punt, which is notable for its significance in the growth of marine technology.
Significance of a Mummified Baboon
- Ancient Egyptian Practices: Egyptians mummified animals such as cats for religious purposes and as sacrifices to deities such as Bastet and Thoth.
- Baboon Mummies Jigsaw: Baboon mummification was unusual due to its non-native status in Egypt. Baboons are native to Sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Mitochondrial DNA’s Role in the Study
- Isotopes of Strontium and Oxygen: These isotopes leave various regional marks in teeth, bones, and hair.
- 2017 A research successfully retrieved DNA from a human mummy, opening the door to genetic examination of mummified remains.
- DNA Analysis Difficulties: Mummification procedures had to leave the DNA intact and uncorrupted.
Relationship between Adulis and Punt
- Between 332 BC and 395 AD, Adulis was recognised as a commercial centre for luxury goods and animals.
- References in Art and manuscripts: Ancient paintings and manuscripts identified Punt as a source of exotic creatures such as baboons.
- Geographical Continuity: The investigation demonstrated a relationship between Punt and Adulis, bolstering hypotheses that they were the same trading centre across time.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/mummified-baboons-gabbanat-el-qurud-mtdna-adulis/article67593377.ece