Mummification in ancient Egypt was performed because Egyptians believed the soul had three separate parts. And if any of these three parts died or was left without the others all three die.

Ancient Egypt mummies were created with the intent of keeping the soul of the individual together for the afterlife. The process of mummification took a lot of time and effort. But it was done so the body would not decay in the afterlife.

Priests and Mummification

Only priests were allowed to create ancient Egypt mummies.

Mummification priests were highly trained, and the ritual aspects of the process were just as important as the surgical techniques used at the time.

Priests were not allowed to create mummies in the town temples. Instead this ritual process had to be performed at a Wabet, which was a very clean secluded location.

Anubis And Ancient Egypt Mummies

Anubis was the patron god for surgeons and healers, and during the process of mummification a mask of Anubis was worn by the head priest. The Egyptians believed that Anubis would guide the priests not only in the ritual but also the surgical part of the mummification.

When ancient Egypt mummies were being created it was important that the priest did not make any accidental cuts during the process. Precision and a high degree of skill were required, because the Egyptians believed if the body was scarred or damaged, the soul would not recognize it.

And if this was ever to happen, the soul would be forced to wander forever.

The Mummification Process

In ancient Egypt, mummies were created in a series of steps.

The first part of the process involved cutting into the left part of the abdomen, where the ribs were located. A special ritual knife was used to make this first incision, but all the remaining cuts were done using a regular knife. The organs were than removed from the abdomen and placed in special pottery called canopic jars.

These jars were inscribed with spells and symbols to help the organs join back with the body. Only the lungs, liver, intestine, and stomach were preserved.

Preserving Ancient Egypt Mummies

Ancient Egypt mummies were preserved almost perfectly each time.

The process started with the brain, which was taken out through the nose of the individual and then discarded.

A funnel was used to guide resin through the nostrils after the brain was removed, to preserve the head shape and prevent any collapse.

All of the body parts were kept, and either preserved to stay with the body or given away to family.

Ancient Egypt Mummies Kept Their Heart

The hearts of the ancient Egypt mummies were never removed. The Egyptians believed that the heart was needed for Anubis to weigh in the underworld.

The heart needed to be weighed because it helped guide the soul of the ancient Egyptian mummy.

Other Steps that Ancient Egypt Mummies Went Through

During the final steps of the mummification process, spices and natron salt were used to dry out the body and organs.

A mixture of these ingredients were packed into the body and rubbed into the skin.

Ancient Egypt mummies took time to make, the entire process took about two and a half months to complete.

Over time the body would dry into leather without decaying, and the priests would continue to rub the spices and salt all over the skin.

Wrappings For Ancient Egypt Mummies

Once the mummification ritual and process was complete, the preserved individual was completely wrapped up.

Linen was the cloth of choice; the quality of the linen would depend on the status of the individual.

Every ancient Egyptian mummy was given a death mask, as a second head in case the original was damaged.

The wrappings of the mummies would also include amulets which were believed to be powerful.