The ancient Egyptians had perfected the art of mummification; the best technique took 70 days and involved removing the internal organs, removing the brain through the nose, and desiccating the body in a mixture of salts called natron. The body was then wrapped in linen with protective amulets inserted between layers and placed in a decorated anthropoid Egyptian Coffins.

Purpose Egyptian Coffins

The purpose of the Coffin from the earliest times was the protection of the body, preserving it from deterioration or mutilation. A sarcophagus was also usually provided to hold the coffin in the tomb. Sarcophagus formed the external layer of protection for a royal mummy, with several layers of coffins nested within, and was often carved out of alabaster. The Greek etymology of “sarcophagus” is “flesh eater”.Ancient-Egyptian-Coffins-Information
Egyptian Coffins themselves were placed in secure tombs, which protected mummified bodies from intruders and from the elements. The texts and pictures on Egyptian coffins were intended to provide their owner with the magical assistance and knowledge needed to survive and prosper in the afterlife. Ancient Egyptian coffins often showed the deceased person wearing fine jewelry. The process of mummification has two stages. First is the embalming of the body. Then is the wrapping and burial of the body.

Burial

Ancient-Egyptian-Coffins-InformationWealthy Egyptians were buried with larger quantities of luxury items, but all burials, regardless of social status, included goods for the deceased. Beginning in the New Kingdom, books of the dead were included in the grave, along with shabti statues that were believed to perform manual labor for them in the afterlife Rituals in which the deceased was magically re-animated accompanied burials. After the burial, living relatives were expected to occasionally bring food to the tomb and recite prayers on behalf of the deceased.

Throughout Ancient Egyptian history, despite many changes in emphasis and fashion, there were two major themes in the decoration of coffins. These reflected two of the most important strands of belief concerning the afterlife. The first theme concerned the sun god. According to one major creation myth, the sun god was the maker of the universe. The other major theme of coffin decoration incorporated elements drawn from the myth of Osiris.

The intention was to commemorate the life of the tomb owner, provide supplies necessary for the afterlife, depict performance of the burial rites, and in general present an environment that would be conducive to the tomb owner’s rebirth.