A joint archaeological mission in the Tuna el-Gebel necropolis has discovered three rare ceremonial masks made of cedar wood and gilded with silver on the tongue and ears. These artifacts, dating to the Late Period of Ancient Egypt, were found in a hidden chamber dedicated to the god Anubis. Researchers suggest these were worn by high-ranking priests during the 'Festival of the Wailing Souls', an annual event where the living performed vocal rituals to guide spirits through the underworld.
The use of silver, a metal associated with the moon and divine bones in Egyptian mythology, indicates the high status of the festival participants. The presence of acoustic resonators inside the masks suggests they were used to alter the wearer's voice during the multi-day celebration, which concluded with a mass banquet at the edge of the desert plateau.