Archaeologists have discovered two ancient Egyptian skeletons, dating back more than 3,300 years, which were each buried with a toe ring made of copper alloy, the first time such rings have been found in ancient Egypt.
The toe rings were likely worn while the individuals were still alive, and the discovery leaves open the question of whether they were worn for fashion or magical reasons.
Supporting the magical interpretation, one of the rings was found on the right toe of a male, age 35-40, whose foot had suffered a fracture along with a broken femur above it. He was likely in great pain when alive.
The ring was placed on the toe of the injured foot, suggesting perhaps it was intended as a magical healing device.
The act of binding or encircling was a powerful magical device in ancient Egypt, and a metal ring, which can be looped around something, lends itself well to this kind of action.
Both skeletons were found in a cemetery just south of the ancient city of Akhetaten, whose name means "Horizon of the Aten." Now the city is called Amarna.
These people were not wealthy enough to get buried in a rock-cut tomb but could afford, and were allowed, simple burials seen at this cemetery.
"They probably lived, like most citizens of Amarna, in a small house adjacent to that of a larger villa belonging to one of the city's officials, for whom they provided services and labor in exchange for basic provisions, especially grain," Stevens said.