Archaeological finds—including the newly-discovered tomb in Nubia—have opened new doors on understanding the lives of women in the Bronze Age. Like their prehistoric counterparts, these women had learned to manipulate tumplines—head straps traditionally used for transporting goods as well as infants. While conducting research at the Abu Fatima cemetery, we stumbled across this amazing practice. Above all, it celebrates the ingenuity of ancient Nubian women and brings to view their prominent presence in society.
Our analysis of the skeletal remains from this cemetery has yielded important discoveries about 30 individual graves. It’s a remarkable discovery, because it illustrates that women in the region routinely transported such heavy materials using head straps. This finding highlights the continued relevance of tumplines in the rural context. Farmers continue to practice this ancient method around the world in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to this day.
Insights from the Abu Fatima Cemetery
The cemetery of Abu Fatima continues to be an important archaeological site, shining important light on the lives of Nubian women. The skeletal analyses done on both male and female remains reveal a different pattern of wear. Specific degenerative changes in female cervical vertebrae and skull base are a correlative indicator of skeletal biology and health. These adaptations are associated with the chronic use of tumplines, which shift load from the forehead to the upper back.
“Women tended to have more wear on their head and neck areas than the male skeletons did, indicating that the women were bearing loads with head straps.” – The team
Taken together, these results indicate that using tumplines was a widely adopted behavior among women in Kerma and its hinterland. The damage to their skeletal structures was even more pronounced when female skeletons were compared to male skeletons. This is a very straightforward illustration that women were under significant physical strain.
The Elite Woman and Her Legacy
An elite woman of rank rests in peace at burial in the cemetery of Abu Fatima. It’s her unique skeletal markings that set her apart from the pack. This woman—thought to be around 50 years old at the time of her death—was buried with ornate grave goods. Together, these treasures heralded her as a person of great social standing. The isotopic analysis of her remains indicates that she may have hailed from outside the region, possibly near the second cataract of the Nile.
“The forehead straps would be attached to the basket and placed over the top of the head.” – The team
This woman’s grave holds important clues to tumplines. These were not purely labor instruments, but status objects. Her burial items suggest that she was an important member of the community. This remarkable discovery provides important new insights into gender dynamics in ancient Nubia.
Continuity of Cultural Practices
For centuries, Nubian women have relied on tumplines to lighten loads. Their spectacular and vibrant tradition testifies to the enduring power and relevance of this practice in contemporary democracies. The research highlights that this practice is “still alive today in rural regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America,” showcasing a remarkable cultural continuity.
“This is supported by various depictions of Nubian women found in tribute scenes from 18th Dynasty Theban tombs,” – The team
These representations support archaeological evidence, showing women in the very act of transporting goods balanced on head straps. It’s a testament to the flexibility and ingenuity of women over centuries, whose contributions are felt today in the continued relevance of tumplines.
