The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced the discovery of a pristine 18th-Dynasty tomb belonging to Amenhotep-Ra, a high-ranking official titled the 'Master of Royal Incense.' Located in the Saqqara necropolis, the tomb remains unlooted and contains a unique collection of alabaster jars still sealed with original resin. Micro-CT scans of the jars have identified traces of high-grade myrrh and frankincense, likely sourced from the legendary Land of Punt during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut.
The tomb's walls are adorned with exceptionally vivid reliefs depicting the intricate process of incense preparation, including the grinding of aromatic woods and the blending of sacred oils for temple rituals. These scenes provide a 'step-by-step' visual guide to the chemical mastery of the New Kingdom's olfactory arts. Additionally, archaeologists found a set of bronze incense burners with lotus-shaped handles, still retaining the charred remains of the final ritual offering made over 3,400 years ago.