The ancient Egyptians were deeply rooted in beliefs centered around balance, law, and order, alongside the assurance of an afterlife. To preserve this notion, they meticulously employed a series of tools and scientific methodologies, collectively known as the mummification process, to maintain the integrity of the deceased. Carried out by adept practitioners, this intricate procedure was regarded as a sacred ritual, essential for every Egyptian individual desiring passage into the next realm.
Why Did the Egyptians Mummify Their Dead?
The practice of embalming in Ancient Egypt reflects profound cultural beliefs and practices unique to the civilization. Unlike their neighbors in Mesopotamia, where burial practices for the elite involved richly provisioned tombs but did not include efforts to preserve the body, the Egyptians held a distinct reverence for the preservation of the deceased. This stark difference can be traced back to one of the oldest myths of Ancient Egypt.
Central to Egyptian belief was the concept of the afterlife, wherein the soul embarked on a journey beyond death, retaining a connection to the physical realm. Preserving the body through embalming was thus seen as essential, as it ensured the physical vessel remained intact for the soul’s journey into the afterlife. This act of preservation was deeply intertwined with religious beliefs, symbolizing continuity, and facilitating the soul’s transition to the next realm. In essence, embalming was not merely a means of bodily preservation but a profound expression of spiritual beliefs and cultural identity for the ancient Egyptians.
Who are the mummies?
Not all Ancient Egyptians underwent the process of mummification due to its costly and time-consuming nature, rendering it inaccessible to many. The availability of different embalming options, combined with variations in the skill of embalmers and environmental factors such as climate, often yielded inconsistent results. While royalty and the upper echelons of society received the best materials and meticulous attention, numerous examples of poorly preserved remains exist. Conversely, individuals from the lower strata of society often received simpler burials, with many going without embalming altogether. Ironically, the early practice of burying bodies in the sand, devoid of deliberate preservation efforts, may have yielded more favorable outcomes.
Nevertheless, those who underwent embalming found solace in the belief that their earthly remains would undergo a transformation akin to that of Osiris, emerging whole in the afterlife. Over time, funerary beliefs and practices originally reserved for royalty gradually permeated through society, allowing ordinary individuals to aspire towards a state of regeneration in the tomb. The evolution of funerary texts, from the Pyramid Texts to the New Kingdom’s Book of the Dead (known to the Ancient Egyptians as the “Spells for Coming Forth by Day”), reflects this societal shift. The imagery and symbolism associated with the king’s regeneration became standard features in tomb provisions, including mummiform coffins, tomb paintings depicting renewed life in the hereafter, and opportunities for individuals to align themselves with Osiris on their journey towards eternal renewal.
What Tools and Materials Did They Use?
The primary source of natron, a crucial component in the mummification process, was Wadi Natrun, located northwest of Cairo. Essential spices and oils, such as myrrh, pine, cedar, cinnamon, and cumin, were employed in the preservation ritual. The principal incision for organ extraction was typically made on the body’s side, using a sharp stone as the cutting tool. According to Herodotus, the individual performing the initial incision used a long skewer, crafted from metal, reed, or wood, to extract the brain by breaking up the tissue, allowing it to exit through the nasal passages. Bronze and copper tools, including forceps, knives, spoons, and drills, facilitated precise incisions and ensured efficient organ removal.
To maintain the body’s form and promote dehydration, smaller parcels of linen-wrapped natron were strategically placed around the body. These procedures were meticulously carried out in specialized embalming workshops. Varied grades of linen were utilized, and the wrapping process itself was considered an art form, with some examples exhibiting exquisitely intricate patterns.
Upon completion of the mummification process, any leftover materials were respectfully buried alongside the deceased, underscoring the reverence and attention to detail imbued in Ancient Egyptian funerary practices.
The ancient art of embalming
As a sacred and profound process, mummification is an art skillfully carried out with discretion, preserving most anatomical details accurately. Typically, the mummification process spans around 70 days and involves the following steps. And there is an experienced embalmer to perform this process:
Removing internal organs
First, they use a special metal hook, inserted into the nasal cavity, gently stirring until the brain matter flows out through the nose. After draining the brain fluid, they pour alcohol inside, also through the nasal passage, to cleanse and disinfect.
Then, organs such as the stomach, liver, lungs, and intestines are removed from the mummy through a small incision on the left side of the abdomen. The embalmer removes the organs from the body and places them in canopic jars shaped like the four sons of the god Horus to protect the organs, which are then placed in the tomb during the burial ceremony.
The heart, however, is left inside the body as the ancient Egyptians believed it contained the consciousness and personality of a person. However, according to records, only about 25% of mummies discovered still have the heart preserved inside.
Cleaning the deceased
Following the removal of internal organs, the deceased undergoes a meticulous cleansing process utilizing alcohol and aromatic substances. Each organ is treated individually, employing specific materials and techniques tailored to its cleaning requirements. Notably, the empty skull is addressed by pouring resin through the nasal passage to ensure thorough purification.
Following these intricate procedures, the deceased is ceremonially bathed in water sourced from the Nile River, marking a final step of profound religious significance. This ritual cleansing in the sacred waters of the Nile symbolizes purification and spiritual transition, preparing the departed for their journey into the afterlife according to ancient Egyptian beliefs.
Natron salt poultices
The mummification process initiates with the application of palm oil, followed by submersion in Natron salt, a vital substance essential for preserving the mummy. Natron salt plays a pivotal role in the mummification process by eradicating bacteria and parasites, crucial for long-term preservation. Additionally, it facilitates the removal of moisture from body tissues, effectively thwarting the decomposition process.
Traditionally, the mummy is immersed in Natron salt for approximately 35 days. This extended period of immersion results in the formation of a solid, brownish block, indicative of the successful preservation achieved through this meticulous procedure.
After 35 days, the embalmers pour perfumed oils and apply a layer of resin to seal the body, then massage the body with a mixture of wax containing cedar oil. Next, they place a metal disc shaped like the eye of Horus over the incision on the mummy’s abdomen.
The mummy is then wrapped and placed in a coffin
Ancient Egyptians meticulously wrapped the mummified remains in linen cloth before encasing them in nested coffins or stone sarcophagi. Furthermore, during the wrapping process, various amulets were strategically placed between the layers of linen wrappings, believed to provide spiritual protection to the deceased in the afterlife.
In contemporary times, archaeologists and experts utilize advanced technologies such as X-rays to conduct in-depth studies of ancient Egyptian mummies. These modern techniques have unveiled remarkable insights, revealing intact nerves, blood vessels within the nail beds, distinct layers of skin, and even preserved adipose cells. Such discoveries not only enhance our understanding of ancient Egyptian embalming practices but also shed light on the intricate anatomical features of mummified individuals, offering invaluable glimpses into the past.
