First the embalmers would carefully cut a small slit and remove the stomach, liver, intestines, and lungs through it, setting each one aside. After removing these organs, the Egyptians left the heart in the body because they believed that it was the center of life. The other organs were washed in natron (a salt-like substance), coated with resin, wrapped in linen strips, and stored in decorative pottery called Canopic Jars. The jars were supposed to protect the organs for the journey to the afterlife. A long hook was used to smash the brain and pull it out through the nose. This part was the grossest part. Next I saw them cover the whole body in natron, which was to be left to dry out for forty days. I obviously did not stay there for that long so they told me what would happen later. After it dried out, they would cover the body in oils and spices. Then the body would be ready to be wrapped in linen, which how we think mummies are supposed to look.
Although I time traveled to see an intentional mummy, I have also learned about mummies that are created in natural conditions. Mummies have been found in ice in places like the Italian Alps and Greenland. Even in Egypt natural mummies have been found buried in sand. Natural elements such as sand and ice will preserve bodies by drying or freezing them. I highly recommend watching National Geographic’s Secrets of the Pharaohs (available on Netflix). You can watch a scientist recreate the ancient mummification process.
Do you have any questions about mummies that you would like to ask?
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| My Homemade Mummy |
By: Ace Wells
Sources used:
"Mummification." British Museum. n.d. Web. 5 Nov. 2011
http://www.ancientegypt.co.uk/mummies/home.html
"Mummification." BrainPOP. n.d Web. 25 Oct. 2011
http://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/worldhistory/mummies
