The mummification process was able to preserve mummies that would last for eternity.
Why did Ancient Egyptians mummify their dead? Eternal life wasn’t just about preserving the spirit. The deceased’s body also had to be preserved, as the Ancient Egyptians believed the soul (ba) and life force (ka) had to return to it regularly to ensure its perpetual survival.
To prevent the body decaying, it underwent a lengthy and gruesome mummification process.
Developed and refined over millennia, it allowed Ancient Egyptians to produce some of the best-preserved mummies in the world, and we can now gaze upon the faces of men, women, and children almost exactly as they were more than 2,000 years ago.
The first mummies in Egypt date back to approximately 3500 BCE.
Before that time, all citizens regardless of social status were buried in desert graves, which allowed natural preservation to occur through dehydration.
An artificial method known as mummification process was then developed that would ensure even better preservation and allow bodies to be kept within tombs.
The most complicated mummification process was developed around 1550 BCE, and is considered the best method of preservation.
With this method, the internal organs were removed, the flesh dehydrated, and then the body was wrapped in linen strips.
This was an extensive process that took about 70 days to complete, so only the very rich could afford it.
Working-class people were treated with an alternative method of preservation that involved liquefying the internal organs with cedar tree oil, draining them out through the rectum, and then placing the body in a salty substance called natron to dehydrate it.
Embarking to the Red Land, a desert region away from the heavily populated areas and with easy access to the Nile.
Upon death, the body would be carried to the Ibou, or the ‘Place of Purification’, where it would be washed in river water.
It was then taken to the per nefer, or ‘house of mummification’, which was an open tent to allow for ventilation. Here, it was laid out on a table ready to be dissected by the embalmers.
These men were skilled artisans who had a deep knowledge of anatomy and a steady hand.
They were also ofteh priests, as performing religious rites over the deceased was an equally important part of the embalming process.
The most experienced priests carried out the major parts of mummification process, like the wrapping of the body and wearing a jackal mask as they did so.
This symbolized the presence of Anubis – god of embalming and the afterlife – during the mummification.
What are the 8 steps of mummification process?
1. Purify the body
Before the embalming process can begin, the body is washed in water from the Nile and palm wine.
2. Remove the internal organs
A small incision is made in the left side of the body, and the liver, lungs, intestines, and stomach are removed. They are then washed and packed in natron before being placed in canopic jars.
The heart is left in the body as it is believed to be the center of intelligence, and will be needed in the afterlife.
3. Discard the brain
A rod is inserted through the nostril into the skull and used to break up the brain tissue. The liquefied brain is then drained out, often through the nose using a metal hook.
4. Leave to dry
The body is covered with natron, a type of salt, which will absorb any moisture. It is then left for 40 days to dry out.
5. Support the body
Once dried, it is washed in water from the Nile and covered with oils to help the skin stay elastic. The natron is scraped out and any remaining organs are removed.
6. Wrap in linen
First, the head and neck are wrapped in strips of linen, then the fingers and toes. The arms and legs are separately wrapped to give a lifelike appearance.
7. Add amulets
Charms called amulets are placed between the layers of linen to protect the body during its journey to the afterlife.
8. Say a prayer
A priest reads spells scrolls out loud while the body is being wrapped in order to ward off evil spirits. He will often wear a mask of Anubis – the god associated with the embalming process and the afterlife.
The Mummy of Ramesses IV