[Image from University of Basel]
A wooden big toe, thought to be almost 3,000 years old, was discovered in a female burial in the necropolis of Sheikh ´Abd el-Qurna near Luxor.
Using microscopy, X-ray technology and computer tomography, the team investigated the wooden toe and was able to figure out that the toe was refitted several times to be able to fit the foot of the owner, who happened to be a priest’s daughter. The researchers also categorized the materials used to make it and what methods were used.
They also determined that the artificial toe was from the early first millennium BC. The artisanship of the prosthetic appeared to show that the person who made it was very familiar with human physiognomy. The prosthetic extension and structure of the belt strap exhibited the craftsmanship of the artisan and showed that aesthetics was a huge factor to how the prosthetic was formed, according to a press release.
The discovery of the wooden toe was part of a larger project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation that was looking into the archaeological remains of the area, including building structures and different objects.
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