Disability History Month Facts: Friday, October 16, 2015: THE CAIRO TOE: First Known Prosthesis
Office of the Governor Texas sent this bulletin at 10/16/2015 07:25 AM CDTCommittee on People with Disabilities
Disability History Month Facts: Friday, October 16, 2015:
THE CAIRO TOE: First Known Prosthesis
Made of wood and leather, an artificial toe was found on the mummified body of an ancient Egyptian noblewoman in a tomb near Luxor; researchers believe the toe to have been created about 950 B.C., making it the oldest known prosthesis.
The Cairo Toe, as it came to be known, is made mostly of stained wood with the parts held together by leather thread. Because of its specific design, with the shape of the toe and the carefully carved toenail, the toe is believed to have been a true prosthesis, not just a cosmetic trinket sometimes used as a ritualistic aspect of burials or simply for appearances. Researchers asked volunteers who were missing their big toe to try walking with the Cairo Toe and all found that it made balance and mobility much easier. The prosthetic toe also was found to not cause any high-pressure points for the wearers, attesting to the thoughtful design.
Attributions:
Live Science: http://www.livescience.com/23642-prosthetic-toes-egypt.html
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