An Egyptologist Shows The Ancient Art of Mummification (Video)
The process of mummification in ancient Egypt was a sophisticated and meticulous practice aimed at preserving the body for the afterlife. Egyptians believed that maintaining the body in a preserved state was essential for the deceased to navigate successfully into the Eternal Hereafter. This intricate procedure involved several key steps to ensure the body's durability.
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Initially, the brain was extracted using tools inserted through the nasal cavity. This process was designed to remove all soft tissue from the skull. Following this, a small incision was made in the lower left side of the torso to remove vital organs, except for the heart, which was considered the seat of intelligence and essential for the afterlife. The extracted organs were then individually preserved in canopic jars, each associated with one of the four sons of Horus, who protected these vital elements.
The next phase involved purifying the body cavity with substances like palm wine. Subsequently, the body was desiccated using natron salt, a naturally occurring salt that effectively dehydrated the body, preventing bacterial growth and decomposition. This drying process typically lasted around 70 days.
After desiccation, the body was anointed with fragrant oils and resins to mask any odors and to seal the preserved flesh. The final step was wrapping the body in linen bandages. This wrapping not only protected the body but also allowed for the inclusion of amulets and jewelry, believed to provide protection in the afterlife.
Once fully prepared, the mummy was placed in a decorated coffin and ceremoniously entombed. The careful preservation ensured that the deceased would be well-equipped for a blissful eternity, reflecting the Egyptians' deep reverence for the afterlife and their sophisticated embalming techniques.
Top image: Ancient Egyptian mummification process. Source: Matrioshka/Adobe Stock
