The 10 Steps of Mummification

An Ancient Egyptian ArtPresented by Ms. Williams

Learning Objectives

• By viewing this presentation, you will discover the different steps and processes of mummification, including the embalming processes and the wrapping processes. This will help you to fully understand the importance of mummification in the Egyptian culture.

Before we get started…• Be sure to watch the Mummification video found here:

http://jackiequinton.pbworks.com/Mummification-Video

• It is located on the PBworks site found here: http://jackiequinton.pbworks.com/FrontPage!

• Also, be sure you have your skeleton notes opened up as a Word document. You can find them here: http://jackiequinton.pbworks.com/Skeleton-Notes Follow along with the notes as you view this PowerPoint presentation. Once you have completed the notes, email them to your teacher at jqw2a@mtsu.edu. Be sure to include your name and course number.

Step 1: Embalming• The first step in creating

a mummy is called “embalming.” The deceased (dead) body is taken to a tent called an “ibu” which means “place of purification.” There, the embalmers (people who preserve the body so it will not decay) cover the body in wine and rinse it with water.

Embalming process

• Next, one of the embalmers makes a cut in the left-hand side of the body and takes out several of the internal organs, so they do not decompose (rot).

• The liver, lungs, stomach, and intestines are then placed inside natron, which is a type of salt that will dry them out.

• The heart is not taken out because it is considered the center of intelligence.

• For the brain, a hook is inserted through the nose to pull it out.

Step 2: Removal of Organs

Natron

Brain Removal Process

Step 3: More Natron

• The body is then covered and stuffed with the natron (salt). All the fluids and rags from the embalming process are saved to be buried with the body.Natron Is Added

Step 4: Water and Oils• After 40 days, the body is washed again in

water and covered with oils so that the skin can stay stretchy.

Body is Washed and Covered with Oils

Step 5: Organs Returned• The dried organs are wrapped in fabric and put back

inside the body. • The body is then stuffed with dry things such as

sawdust, leaves, and fabric to help make it look more real.

• Now the body is again covered in sweet smelling oil.• It is now ready to be wrapped!

The Body is Stuffed

Step 6: Wrapping the Mummy

• The head and neck are wrapped first with strips of fabric.

• Then the fingers and toes are individually wrapped.

• Arms and legs are then wrapped separately.

• In between wrapped layers of fabric, the enbalmers place amulets to help protect the body during its journey to the underworld.

Wrapped Mummy

Step 7: Spells• As the mummy is being

wrapped, a priest reads spells aloud that will get rid of evil spirits and also help the body make a safe journey to the underworld.

• Next the arms and legs are tied together. A piece of papyrus paper with spells on it is placed in the arms of the mummy.Arms and Legs are

Bound, Spells are Added

Step 8: More Fabric Added

• More strips of fabric are added to the mummy. The bandages are painted with a liquid resin which is similar to a glue that will help the bandages stay together.

More Bandages Added

Step 9: Osiris

• A cloth is wrapped around the body, and the picture of the god Osiris is painted as a portrait. Osiris is the god of the underworld.

Osiris Portrait

Step 10: Final Layers• A large cloth is wrapped

around the entire mummy. It is attached with strips of linen that run all around the mummy.

• Lastly, a board of painted wood is placed on top of the mummy before it is put inside the first coffin/sarcophagus.

Cloth Attached with Strips of Linen

Don’t forget!!!

• Once you have completed the skeleton notes, email them to your teacher at jqw2a@mtsu.edu. Be sure to include your name and course number.

• For your assessments over this lesson, click here.

• And thank you to the British Museum for the wonderful information and images: http://www.ancientegypt.co.uk/mummies/story/main.html