Steps in the Mummification Process
Step 2: The Organs & Canopic Jars
Step 1: The Brain
Egyptians would first
remove the brain
from the nose using
long, pick-like tools.
The brain is not
important to the
Egyptians, nothing
special is done with it.
Next, the organs were removed and
preserved in natron. After, they were put
into different canopic jars to protect them.
Step 3: Mummification of the Heart
The heart undergoes a different
process. It is seen as the spiritual
center of the body. Once removed,
it is preserved in natron, wrapped
in linen, and eventually placed back
in the body.
Duamutef:
Stomach
Imseti:
Liver
Hapi:
Lungs
Qebehsenuf:
Intestines
Step 4: Drying the Body
With the organs removed,
the body is filled with and
covered in natron. This dries
it out and preserves it. It
stays like this for 40 days
to be fully preserved.
Step 6: Wrapping and Sealing
For 2 weeks, the body is
delicately wrapped in fine linen
and sealed with resin before the
next layer is added. Many layers
of linen, resin and oils are applied.
Amulets and symbols are place
within the wrappings. When this
is done, a burial mask of pure
gold is placed on the deceased.
Step 8: Moving onto the Afterlife
With various symbols, amulets,
and prayers, ceremonies such as
the
“opening
of the
mouth”
are
Woman must
always
have a male
guardian
to
performed.
deceased is put
accompany
them inThe
public
into the sarcophagus and the
tomb is sealed. Their spirit is now
ready to move onto the afterlife.
Step 5: Cleaning and Touch Ups
The body is cleaned of natron,
it is filled with resin and
sawdust, oiled, and painted to
give it a more life-like
appearance.
Step 7: The Final Resting Place
The finishing touches are put on the
tomb, which is painted, decorated,
and filled with riches and
possessions of the deceased to be
Woman
must
have a male guardian
used
in always
the afterlife.
to accompany them in public