Here is information on Embalming Steps in Ancient Egypt:
The concept of life
The concept of life after death was very important in ancient Egypt. They believed that the bodies of the dead would travel to a new world during the daytime. Life would re-enter their bodies during night.
It was believed that if a spirit could not recognize its body, it would die. So, the bodies of the dead had to be kept in a lifelike state for as long as possible.
This belief led to the need for preserving the bodies of the dead. Embalming and mummification were the two most important processes adopted by the ancient Egyptians for this.
There are seven steps involved in ancient Egyptian practice of embalming. These steps of embalming are closely related to the steps of mummification. A body was embalmed before being mummified and placed into the coffin.
Ancient Egypt Embalming steps:
1. The first step was washing the dead body with the holy waters of the Nile River. Wine and spices were mixed with the water in this act of “purification” of the dead body. After washing, all the parts of the body that could decay were removed from the body.
2. The brain was removed first by smashing the brain. Embalmers were expert at this. They then removed the brain through the nose. Heart was allowed to stay in the body as Egyptians thought that the dead would need it in his afterlife.
From a cut on the side of the body, organs such as stomach, liver and intestines were removed.
3. The body was stuffed and completely covered with natron, a natural salt and preservative. The body was then placed in a slanting position so that all its remaining fluids would drip out.
4. The removed organs of the body were also stuffed with natron before being put into the four jars protecting organs. Initially these jars with organs were placed alongside the dead bodies. Later, the organs, bandaged in linen were stuffed back into the bodies.
5. The body was left drying for forty days. It was then washed with the waters of Nile, once again. Fragrances and oils of different kinds were applied both inside and outside the body. This helped keep the skin soft.
6. In the next step, embalmers tried to make the body regain its original shape by stuffing sawdust and dried leaves into it. After this, they adorned the body with jewellery.
Following the above mentioned steps was the process of mummification and the funeral of the dead.
This process of ancient Egyptian embalming was so effective that the body a man named Ginger, who lived more than 5000 years ago still lies preserved in the British Museum, London.
