AlUla Unveils First Reconstructed Face of Ancient Nabataean Woman

The first known digital and physical reconstruction of an ancient Nabataean woman discovered is now being displayed at the Hegra Welcome Centre in AlUla. 

The Nabataean woman, known as Hinat by the archaeologists who discovered her, is thought to have been a prominent woman who died around the first century BC.

Narrative Experience Expert at Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), Leila Chapman, said: "The opportunity for our visitors to come face to face with a Nabataean woman at the actual site of Hegra – where she lived, and was honored by her family – is hugely exciting. We are especially excited that AlUla's people will see this recreation of their ancient ancestor."

Archaeologists, anthropologists, forensic reconstruction experts, and a 3D sculptor were all involved in the process of making molds to produce a silicon bust of her face.

Hinat was excavated from one of Hegra's monumental tombs in 2008, after laying there for more than 2,000 years. 

The inscription on the tomb reads: "This is the tomb that Hinat, daughter of Wahbu, made for herself and her children and descendants forever."

The Nabataeans emerged as a distinct civilization and political entity that became wealthy as a result of trade. 

Hegra, a significant city of the Nabataean Kingdom, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia.