Preserving the Body

" The aim of mummification was not to preserve a person's body as it had been in life, but to create a new body that could last for eternity. The body was taken to the ibu or Tent of Purification, to be washed in a solution of natron in water to delay decomposition. Embalming took place at or near the tomb. First, the internal organs were removed. The brain was extracted via nose and discarded. Other organs were removed through an incision in the left flank and set aside; often these were interred separately in special Canopic containers. The heart remained, as it would be important in the judgment of the dead before the gods. The body was then dried out by filling the torso with bags of natron and by covering the entire body with loose natron for 35 to 40 days.

After drying the skull and chest cavities were filled. During the 21st Dynasty, the liver, lungs, stomach and intestines were replaced inside the body, wrapped in separate linen packages. As the body would have lost virtually all its fat, leaving the skin loose and wrinkled, sand, linen or mud might be inserted under the skin to restore the shrunken features.

Resin was applied to the surface of the body to exclude moisture and perhaps confer divine status on the dead. Before wrapping artificial eyes, finger and toe covers of gold or silver were put on. During the wrapping, amulets, jewellery and sometimes a rolled funerary papyrus were placed on the body. As the mummy was wrapped in linen cloth, prayers and magical spells were recited."

-- Eygptian exihibition

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