Ancient Egyptian Mummification: The Complete Guide to the 70-Day Ritual

Steps of the Ancient Egyptian Mummification Process

• Body cleansing:

The ancient Egyptian mummification procedure began with priests washing the body with Nile River water. They considered the water sacred because it aided in the growth of their crops.

• Taking the brain out:

Using a brain hook, the next step was to remove the brain. They threw away the brain.

• Taking out the organs:

In the meticulous process of ancient Egyptian mummification, priests removed the internal organs, but they left the heart inside the body as the seat of the soul. The other major organs were placed in four Canopic jars. Each jar was guarded by one of the Four Sons of Horus and protected a specific organ: the liver, stomach, lungs, and intestines.

• Using Natron Salt:

After priests removed the organs, they used natron to wrap the body both inside and out. Natron is a salt that occurs naturally in the Egyptian desert and absorbs moisture and fat. Every several weeks, they had to replenish the Natron. This part of the procedure took roughly 40 days to complete.

• Wrapping the body:

It was then time to wrap the mummy. In many respects, wrapping the mummy was significant. The priest read charms to safeguard and reawaken them in the afterlife while the arms and legs were wrapped.

• Ritual of opening the mouth:

The priest restored the mummy’s five senses during the “Opening of the Mouth” rite, a critical step in ancient Egyptian mummification. In the afterlife, the mummy would require their senses.