Mummification in ancient Egypt was a fascinating process to prepare the dead for the afterlife. This article explains the methods, steps, and rituals involved in preserving bodies for eternity.
What is the Mummification process?
Mummification was an important practice in ancient Egypt. It was believed to help the dead reach the afterlife. This article explores the different methods of mummification, from the basic steps to the more complex rituals, explaining how ancient Egyptians preserved their dead for eternity.
Mummification Process
Mummification facts
The process of mummification was available to those who could afford it. It was believed that even those who could not afford it could still enjoy the afterlife by reciting the correct spells. Mummification existed in three processes, ranging from most expensive to least expensive.
The second, less costly mummification method didn’t require cutting into the body or removing the organs. Instead, embalmers used cedar tree oil to stop liquids from leaving the body. Then, the body was placed in natron for several days.
Mummification process: The secret of eternity
- Embalming
In Ancient Egypt, it was believed that the body needed to be preserved to enter the afterlife. The soul, known as “ka,” would leave the body at death and be guided back through embalming for rebirth. Embalmers prepared the body for mummification, offering different options for the process. The body was then taken to a “place of purification” for washing and to the “House of Beauty” for mummification.
- Immortality
To achieve immortality and stand before Osiris, ancient Egyptians believed that mummification was necessary to preserve the body so that the soul could reunite with it and enjoy the afterlife.
Process and steps of mummification
The mummification process included keeping the body using natron (a natural salt in Wadi Natrun. Then, The body was drained of liquids, and the skin, hair, and muscles were preserved.
This process took up to seventy days, during which special priests worked as embalmers to treat and wrap the body of the deceased in preparation for burial.
Process and steps of mummification
Mummies and mummification process
The most classic, common, and expensive method of mummification Process dates back to the eighteenth dynasty.
- The first step of Mummification Process
The most common and expensive method of mummification dates back to the eighteenth dynasty. It involved removing the internal organs and liquids to prevent the body from decaying. The brain was taken out through the nostril using a metal hook. The embalmers believed the heart did all the thinking, so they discarded the brain.
- The next step
The ancient Egyptians removed the internal organs and placed them in canopic jars of the same shape as the heads of the four sons of Horus- Imsety, Hapy, Duamutef, and Qebhseneuf – guarded the liver, lungs, stomach, and intestines, respectively. The organs were buried with the mummified body or sometimes cleansed, returned to the body, and treated with wine and spices. The heart remained in the body to be weighed against the feather of Maat in the afterlife. The body was then stuffed with natron and underwent a 40-day dehydration process.
- The Third step
During the 30-day process, the deceased was transformed into a semi-divine being. Bodily remnants were removed, and the body was treated with wine, oils, and golden resin for protection. It was then wrapped in linen strips with amulets, accompanied by prayers and incense burning. Finally, depending on the family’s wealth, the body might be adorned with an ornamented funeral mask and shroud.
Mummies were identified through small, wooden name tags tied around the deceased’s neck. The 70-day process is associated with Osiris and the duration of the star Sothis’ absence from the sky.
Anubis mummification:
The God of Mummification
Ancient Egyptians believed God Anubis oversaw the mummification process to ensure the dead were appropriately prepared for the afterlife.
In the afterlife, Anubis weighed the heart of the deceased against Ma’at (the goddess of justice)
Anubis was important in protecting the body from decay and evil spirits.
Anubis’ duties in the afterlife
Mummification Museum in Luxor:
A vivid image of mummification
the museum has a variety of artifacts, including mummied animals and tools used in this process
enjoy the detailed explanation of the steps of mummification through educational displays
See real mummies as if you are in ancient Egypt
Mummification Museum in Luxor. Egypt Tours Group.
Mummification jars: Canopic Jars
In ancient Egypt, jars were used to preserve the internal organs of the dead that were removed during the mummification process. These jars were crucial to Egyptian thinking about the afterlife.
Canopic Jars.
How many canopic jars were used in mummification?
Names of Canopic Jars:
Hapi: (To preserve lungs and had the head of a baboon)
Imsety: (to safeguard the liver and the human head)
Qebehsenuef: (For stomach and the head of a falcon)
Duamutef: (For intestines and the head of a jackal)
Those were the heads of the four sons of Horus—Imsety, Hapy, Duamutef, and Qebhseneuf—who guarded the liver, lungs, stomach, and intestines, respectively.
Facts about Mummification Process in Ancient Egypt
Mummification, believed to have started around 2600 BCE, involved removing most internal organs and preserving them in jars. The brain wasn’t preserved. The body was then dried with salt, treated with oils and resins, and tightly wrapped in bandages to ensure a successful afterlife.
10 steps of mummification
1- Announcing the death: The ceremony
When a family member passed away, a messenger was sent to inform everyone about the death.
2- Embalming and purifying the body
The Egyptians purified the body through embalming. The body was taken to a tent called ‘ibu’ and washed with fragrant palm wine, followed by a rinse with water from the river Nile.
3- Taking the brain out of the body
In ancient times, the brain was not considered a useful organ because most people were unaware of its functions. Hence, it was discarded in an unhealthy and thoughtless manner.
4- Removal of internal organs
The embalmers had to make a small incision in the left side of the stomach to remove the internal organs.
5- Drying Out the Body
The boy had to be dried carefully so as not to rot and covered with natron to absorb moisture and prevent rotting.
6- Stuffing the Body
After drying for forty days, the body was washed in the Nile River, and oil was applied to maintain the skin’s elasticity.
7- They started by placing the Eye of Horus over the abdominal slit to bless the body before wrapping it up.
8- In this step, the mummy was well decorated.
9- As part of the final ritual, the deceased person’s family and friends would walk through the town, crying out loud as they made their way to the tomb.
10- During the ritual, the priests reverently touched different parts of the mummy’s face while the family members recited ancient spells.
Mummification Steps
God of mummification
God Anubis (the Jackal) was the god of embalming and mummification. Anubis is a man with the head of a jackal and is associated with the afterlife and the protection of graves.
Mummification museum
The mummification museum in Luxor (ancient Thebes) is intended to provide an understanding of how to preserve the body. The ancient Egyptians applied embalming to dead humans and many animals (Cats, dogs, crocodiles…. etc.).
The Mummification Museum offers a comprehensive view of the entire process by displaying many tools, objects, and equipment used for the process. It also explains the ritual and religious significance of the practice. Among the many objects on display are canopic jars, elaborately decorated coffins, mummified remains, amulets, and statues of deities.
