Mummification Museum: Unlocking the Ancient Secrets of the Afterlife

Luxor Mummification Museum: What You Will See: The “How-To” Guide to the Afterlife

The museum’s layout is brilliant. It guides you step-by-step through the mummification process. Your Egypt Fun Tours guide will bring the exhibits to life; however, here are some highlights you shouldn’t miss.

1. The “Gruesome” Tools of the Trade

This is the most fascinating part for many. You will see the actual, 3,000-year-old tools used by the embalmers, including:

• The long, bronze brain hook (used to pull the brain out through the nose).
• The sharp obsidian knives are used for making the incision in the abdomen.
• Spatulas, funnels, and spoons are used for handling the oils and resins.

2. The Sacred Canopic Jars

You’ll see a pristine set of Canopic Jars. Your guide will explain how these were the sacred vessels used to store the four main organs: the liver, lungs, stomach, and intestines, each one protected by one of the “Four Sons of Horus.”

3. The Animal Mummies (A Surprising Highlight)

This is a visitor favorite. The museum has a stunning collection of mummified animals. This shows how the Egyptians worshipped their gods, who were represented by these creatures. You will see:

• A mummified cat
• A mummified baboon
• A mummified ram
• A massive, mummified crocodile, dedicated to the god Sobek.

4. The Human Mummy: The High Priest

The centerpiece of the museum is the beautifully wrapped mummy of Maserharti, a High Priest of Amun from the 21st Dynasty. He is displayed in his original, nested sarcophagus.

5. The “Extras” for the Afterlife

The museum also shows what else was needed for the journey, including model funeral boats (to carry the deceased in the afterlife) and small, magical shabti dolls—servants who would come to life and do the hard labor for the deceased in paradise.