In exploring various cultures’ Milky Way mythologies, Graur was struck by ancient Egyptian written sources that referenced the galaxy, such as the Pyramid Texts, Coffin Texts, and the Book of Nut.

The artifacts also contain remnants of the oldest-written black African language and ... revealed for the first time a depiction of the Egyptian goddess Maat showing distinctly African features.

An unusual depiction of the ancient Egyptian sky goddess Nut may include a representation of the "Dark River" or "Great Rift"—the band along the Milky Way caused by dust clouds.

Note the undulating black curves between rows of yellow half-circles that border the two halves of the ceiling. Credit: Francis Dzikowski / Theban Mapping Project The goddess Nut, whose name is ...

Nut’s body is covered in stars as well as a thick, undulating black curve that runs from the soles of her feet to the tips of her fingers. This curve, surrounded by stars on both sides ...