Mummification is a fascinating process that we often associate with ancient Egypt, although it has happened in different cultures around the world. The Egyptians, however, became experts at it, creating a special way to preserve bodies after death. Let’s explore how they did it and why it was so important to them.
In the beginning, mummification in Egypt might have happened by accident. Bodies buried in the hot desert sand dried out naturally because of the dry climate. But around 5,600 years ago, Egyptians started intentionally mummifying bodies. By about 2600 BC, they had developed advanced techniques. This practice continued for over 2,000 years, even after the Romans took over Egypt. While not everyone could afford the best mummification, pharaohs received the most elaborate preparations for their journey to the afterlife.
The mummification process took about seventy days and had two main goals: to dry out the body and protect it from pests. Here’s how it worked:
After removing the organs, the body was covered with a natural salt called natron to dry it out for up to 70 days. Once dry, the body was washed, oiled, and covered with resin, which helped the linen wrappings stick to the body.
Wrapping the mummy took hundreds of yards of linen, often decorated with prayers and spells. Protective charms were sometimes placed within the wrappings. More layers of resin and linen were added, and a mask of the person’s face was often included. Wealthier mummies might have jewelry or treasures hidden inside.
While the body was being mummified, the tomb was prepared. Rich tombs had beautiful paintings, furniture, statues, and treasures for the afterlife. Once the mummy was placed in the tomb, a special ceremony called “the opening of the mouth” was performed. This ritual was believed to awaken the mummy, allowing the person to see, hear, eat, and speak again. After this ceremony, the deceased was thought to enjoy the offerings in their tomb, completing their journey to the afterlife.
The ancient Egyptian practice of mummification was a complex and spiritual process that showed their beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife. Through careful techniques and rituals, they aimed to preserve the body and ensure a successful journey into eternity. These practices continue to fascinate us and teach us about ancient Egyptian culture.
