Mummification

The mummification process began with four priests. One of priests dressed as the god Anubis; which had a jackals' head with a human body.

The inner organs were removed first. They were the first to decay in hot climate. A special hook was used to remove the brain from the nose. The organs were removed from the body and were put in special jars. Special salts were added to the jars . The liver, stomach and intestines were removed by an incision on the left side of the body. Sometimes the heart was left inside of the body. Sometimes the heart was replaced by a larger carved stone called a scarab. Linen cloth and norton were in the body to replace the organs. Then the body would be ready to be covered with natron placed on a tilled slab. The Natron dried the body of its fluids. The body dried for at least forty days. Some of the cloth in and around the body were removed and replaced. The body was rubbed with oils and resins. The nostrils were stuffed with wax. Pads were put under the eyes and cheeks and make up was applied. Strips of cloth were placed around the body. They sometimes decorated the body with jewelry. The resins used to hold all the layers of the mummy together. The face of the mummy was ready to be covered with a mask. The mask was a painted portrait of the deceased. The mask was very important, since it allowed the Ba and the Ka to easily recognize the mummy in the travels to and from the body. Finally the mummy was placed in the coffin, or coffins. Once prepared, the great procession to its final resting place would take place.

Written and Illustrated by: Juan Trujillo 

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