3,000-year-old Egyptian mummy’s voice recreated


PTI, Jan 24, 2020, 11:46 AM IST

London: In a first, researchers have recreated the sound produced by a 3,000-year-old mummified Egyptian priest by 3D printing his intact vocal tracts, an advance that may lead to new ways of listening to the vocalizations of ancient humans.

The researchers, including those from the University of London in the UK, believe the Egyptian mummy, Nesyamun, lived during the politically volatile reign of pharaoh Ramses XI between 1099 and 1069 BC, over 3000 years ago.

According to the study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, Nesyamun worked as a scribe and priest at the state temple of Karnak in Thebes modern-day Luxor and his voice was an essential part of his ritual duties which involved spoken as well as sung elements.

The scientists used an X-ray device called a computed tomography (CT) scan to perform a detailed analysis of Nesyamun’s intact mouth and throat.

They then recreated the mummy’s voice box, or larynx, using 3D printing a process which builds a three-dimensional object from a computer-aided design model, usually by adding material layer by layer.

When the researchers used the 3D printed setup with an artificial larynx commonly used in speech synthesis, they could reproduce a single sound, falling between the vowels in the English words ‘bed’ and ‘bad’, the study said.

“The precise dimensions of an individual’s vocal tract produce a sound unique to them. If the tract dimensions can be scientifically established, vocal sounds can be synthesized by using an electronic larynx sound source, and a 3-D printed vocal tract,” the scientists wrote in the study.

However, they added that the acoustic output is a single sound, and does not provide the basis for synthesizing running speech.

According to the researchers, their proof-of-concept recreation of a vocal tract preserved over three millennia may pave the way for new ways of presenting the past to the public.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Wanted to kill Ajmal Kasab who caused so much of pain, recalls 26/11 terror attack victim

Two retired revenue officials among four arrested in land grabbing case in Jammu

Kerala govt to revise manual for junior doctors, house surgeons

State can interfere with religious practices if they impede development, equality rights: SC

Four cheers at MP’s Kuno park; cheetah Neerva gives birth to cub quartet

HC directs Delhi govt to appoint ex-officio members to state mental health authority

‘Challenge after 44 years’: Supreme Court junks pleas against ‘socialist’, ‘secular’ in Preamble

Related Articles More

Rapid digital expansion to create over 1 lakh new jobs in fiber tech in India in next 5 years

National Consumer Helpline to roll out AI-based features, partners with 1,000 firms

BTS2024: If India can make rocket sensors, it can also make car sensors, says ISRO chief Somanath

World COPD Day: Know your lung function

SpaceX successfully launches ISRO’s 4,700 kg communication satellite from US

MUST WATCH

Coconut Flower

Prakash Belawadi

Naxal Leader Vikram Gowda

Christmas Cake Fruit Mixing

DK Shivakumar


Latest Additions

Wanted to kill Ajmal Kasab who caused so much of pain, recalls 26/11 terror attack victim

Two retired revenue officials among four arrested in land grabbing case in Jammu

Kerala govt to revise manual for junior doctors, house surgeons

State can interfere with religious practices if they impede development, equality rights: SC

Four cheers at MP’s Kuno park; cheetah Neerva gives birth to cub quartet

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.