Lalia

An automata was discovered in Egypt. To operate it a key, carved from the fingerbone of a priest, had to be inserted into the glottis, via the mouth - only very slightly larger than human in scale. An epiglottis shaped latch had then to be pushed aside, to gain access to the mechanics of the larynx. Upon turning the key the machine would gag into motion, choking the winders arm from its throat.

Originally there was not one, but two keys designed for this task - identical to the eye -  of which one would function as stated above, whilst the other triggered lock jaw, and a more savage removal of the operators hand.

When first discovered, Lalia, was mistaken for a sculpture, and her gasping figure mingled in a crate of artefacts. Once unpacked, study as to her nature and origin proved elusive. Mystery gathered force. It was decided that she might be the sarcophagus of a warrior or priestess. X-rays were arranged.

To the disquiet of those present at this procedure, efforts at gaining photographic insight revealed nothing, beyond a black, burnt outline where the figure lay. Repeated attempts, with increasingly powerful equipment, confirmed the shock conclusion that this was an object capable of blocking electromagnetic radiation. 

A team was assembled. Their first task, before any invasive cutting techniques were employed, was to retrace the exact history of the sculpture - which member of the dig saw it first, where it had been situated, in relation to which other artefacts, mention of such an object in hieroglyphics etc. 

After months of research, nobody came forward to claim the discovery (despite a growing cult among academic circles). Photographs were found of the site in which the figure was purported to have been discovered - standing near the remnants of a pool, though these indicated a statue with its eyes shut - in marked contrast to the glaring expression of the figure under scrutiny.

One morning Lalia vanished. Concerns that she might have been stolen were discounted when a museum guard was discovered, washed up on the river bank, with his tongue removed from his head, and one hand missing.