The Mummification Process of Egypt Pharaohs

1. Purpose of Mummification

Ancient Egyptians believed that the soul continued to exist after death. Mummification was done for the following reasons:

 

1> To be resurrected in the afterlife

• The soul (Ka and Ba) needed to return to the body, so the body had to be preserved.
• If the body decayed, the person could not exist in the afterlife.

2> To become like a god

• Pharaohs and nobles wished to become divine after death.
• They believed that the mummification process transformed them into god-like beings.

3> To prepare for eternal life

• The dead were judged and could either achieve eternal life or be destroyed.
• Conserving the body through mummification assured actuality in the afterlife.

 

2. Body Purification and Organ Removal  (First Stage, About 4 Days)

The first step of mummification was removing internal organs to prevent decay.

 

1> Brain Removal

• The brain was not considered important; rather, the heart was allowed to be the center of the soul.
• A metal hook was inserted through the nose to break the brain into pieces.
• The liquefied brain was drained out through the nose or extracted by suction.
• In most cases, the brain was discarded (it was not considered valuable).
• In some cases, resin was poured into the skull to preserve its shape.

2> Removing Internal Organs

• A long incision was made on the left side of the abdomen, and the stomach, intestines, liver, and lungs were removed.
• The heart was either left inside or removed and preserved separately.
• If the heart was missing, the deceased could not pass the "Weighing of the Heart" judgment in the afterlife.
• In some cases, the heart was replaced with a cabochon mascot ( beetle- shaped charm).  

3> Storing Organs in Canopic Jars

 

The organs were placed in four Canopic jars, each protected by a different god. These jars assured the safe trip of the organs in the afterlife.

 

Canopic Jar	God	Organ Stored
Duamutef	Jackal-headed god	Stomach
Qebehsenuef	Falcon-headed god	Intestines
Hapy	Baboon-headed god	Lungs
Imsety	Human-headed god	Liver

• The organs were washed, dried with natron (natural salt), and covered in fragrant oils before being placed inside the jars.
• The Canopic jars were placed in the tomb, each inscribed with protective prayers.

 

3. Drying the Body (Second Stage, About 40 Days)

After organ removal, the body was completely dried to prevent decomposition.

1> Natron Treatment (Natural Salt Drying)

• The body was covered in natron (a mix of sodium carbonate and salt) and left for about 40 days.
• This process removed humidity and saved the skin and apkins.
  The morticians covered the drying process to help inordinate hardening.
• The embalmers monitored the drying process to prevent excessive hardening.

2> Treating the Body with Oils and Resins

• After drying, the body was washed and rubbed with myrrh, frankincense, and fragrant oils.
• Cracks or openings were sealed with resin (tree sap) to prevent bacteria from entering.

 

4. Wrapping and Burial Preparation (Third Stage, About 15–30 Days)

After drying, the body was wrapped and prepared for burial.

1> Pre-Wrapping Medications

• To maintain the body’s shape, sawdust, cloth, soil, and spices were stuffed inside.
• The face and hands were coated with oil to keep them soft.

2> Wrapping the Mummy

• The body was wrapped in linen cloth (flax fabric).
• Protective amulets (charms) were placed between the layers of linen.
• The most important mascot was the scarab beetle, placed over the heart for protection in the afterlife.
• Finally, resin (tree sap) was applied over the wrappings to harden and secure them.

3> Placing the Mummy in a Coffin and Sealing the Tomb

• The mummy was placed in a wooden coffin or a stone sarcophagus.
• Pharaohs were given a golden death mask to symbolize their divine status.
• The "Opening of the Mouth" ritual was performed, allowing the deceased to speak and eat in the afterlife.
• Inside the tomb, various food, jewelry, furniture, and menial statuettes (shabti) were placed to assist the deceased in the afterlife.

5. Religious and Social Significance of Mummification

Mummification was further than just a burial practice; it was a sacred ritual for eternal life.

 

1> Reserved for Pharaohs and Nobles

• Mummification was mainly performed for pharaohs, royal family members, and nobles.
• Ordinary people could not afford the full process and had simpler burials.

2> Connection to Religious Beliefs

• The dead were judged by Osiris, the god of the afterlife.
• Those who lived good lives would be granted eternal life, while others would be destroyed.
• Mummification was essential to admit the gods' blessings.

3> Preparation for the Afterlife

• Mummies were buried with jewelry, food, and tools for use in the afterlife.
• Pharaohs built huge pyramids and tombs to insure their closeness to the gods and their eternal actuality.