Bailee Cox

603

S.S.

Ancient Egypt Project

The embalmers were in a tent with the deceased body. They had tools ready to mummify

the body. They started by following all the steps for mummification. Gathering all the tools

needed for in the process.They began to mummify. There was a 70 day process for

mummification, sometimes even more.Certain tools were needed. The process depended on the

person who was being mummified. Mummification was very important and special to the

Egyptians. It was like a tradition for them. The Egyptians believed that after the deceased body

gets mummified they go into the afterlife. Mummies were created by the Egyptians, because they

believed that it was necessary to enter the afterlife, and therefore the process, the tools, and the

mummies were important.

The embalmers mummified the dead body.Some embalmers were priests, craftsmen, and

artisans (Dollinger 1). According to Dollinger, the job of the embalmer was passed down from

father to son, (1). The embalmers that were Priest shaved their whole body and washed often

(Lorraine 8). They had to make sure not to get infections or diseases (Lorraine 8).Since there

were embalmers who were also priests, they were trained to embalm (Ancient Egyptian

Embalmers 1). Embalmers who were men, were highly respected because they were basically in
charge of the body, and preparing it for the afterlife (Stewart 6). The embalmers were very

secretive about the process of embalming (Ancient Egyptian Embalmers 1). There are many

risks for the embalmer, natron can cause skin irritations and become red or blistered (Dollinger

1). If it enters into the embalmers eyes, natron could burn badly (Dollinger 1). If the embalmer

breathes it in, it can be hard for the embalmer to breathe and the embalmer will cough alot

(Dollinger 1). The embalmer can catch the disease that the deceased person had, if the person

died from a disease (Dollinger 1). Another thing is that if the embalmer gets cut with a tool, the

embalmer could get blood poisoning which could be deadly (Dollinger 1). According to

Dollinger, there were not many embalmers and the embalmers were used for the rich (1).

However, the process was religious, (Ancient Egyptian Embalmers 1). Embalmers are the people

who made the mummies.

The embalmers needed certain tools to mummify the deceased. There were many tools

and instruments needed to remove some organs (Stewart 8). Embalmers needed perfumes,

chemicals, and balms so the body would not decay (Griffey 6). They used a hook to remove the

brain through the nose (Daniel 1). Embalmers used canopic jars, the organs were put in the jars

(Daniel 1). Linen was an important material that they needed. Linen was used to wrap the body

over and over again (Daniel 1). Stuffing was used to give the body shape (Daniel 1), and used to

replace some of the organs (Griffey 8). Another very important tool they used was natron salt.

Natron salt was used to dry the body after organs are removed (Stewart 8). Natron also cleanses

the body (Daniel 1). Natron had multiple uses, it was also used to take out all the fluids in the
body (Griffey 8). It is a natural salt that is found by the edges of desert lakes (Griffey 8). A slicer

was needed to cut the body open (Stewart 8). According to Griffey, an embalming knife was

used, and it was made of flint (8). Beeswax was used to cover the deceased persons nose, ears,

eyes, mouth and it was used on the embalming knife incision (Daniel 1).Spices helped the

process, so the body would not decay, and they also stuffed the body with it (Daniel 1). Some

mummies Abdomens were packed with dried lichen, according to (Mysteries Of Egypt 1).

Onions were sometimes placed over the eyes of the deceased, and sometimes it was placed on

the external ears, thorax, and pelvis (Mysteries Of Egypt 1). Resin was used as a varnish and

for cementing linen and sometimes it was put in the graves (Mysteries Of Egypt 1). Lastly, A

coffin was used. The embalmers had to put the deceased body in it when they were done

mummifying (Mysteries Of Egypt 1).

There was a process for making mummies. First, the embalmer washed the body and

rinsed the body (Silva 1). Secondly, they put a hook through a hole located by the nose then they

pulled out the brain (My Learning 1). Next, they made a cut on the left side of the body near

the stomach (My Learning 1). The embalmer took out the external organs, so that they

wouldnt rot. (My Learning1). Then, they needed to let the organs dry by packing them in

natron (My Learning 1). Sixth, the embalmer put the organs into canopic jars because they

needed to preserve them (My Learning 1). Next, they placed the heart back in the body

because it was important to keep the heart in the body for the afterlife. (My Learning 1).

Eighth, the embalmers had to rinse the inside of the body out with wine and spices (My
Learning 1). Ninth, The embalmer covers the body with natron (a natural salt used in

mummification) for 70 days (My Learning 1). After the 40 days, the embalmer had to stuff the

body with linen or sand, so the body will have more shape and not look so flat (My Learning).

After the 70 days, the embalmer wrapped the body from head to toe in bandages (My Learning

1). Finally, they put the body in a sarcophagus (a certain kind of coffin) (My Learning 1).

There were certain steps for mummifying, so that mummies can be sent to the afterlife.

Embalmers, the tools, and the steps for mummification were really important to

the Egyptians. The Egyptians made mummies because they believed that it was necessary

to enter the afterlife. Embalmers were the people who made mummies. They had a very

high risk job, they had to be careful not to catch infections and diseases from the tools

and deceased body. However, Embalmers were highly respected because they are in

charge of the body, getting the body ready for the afterlife. Embalmers were also very

secretive about their work. The Ancient Egyptians needed certain types of tools for

embalming, so that the mummies could enter the afterlife. The tools were all used for

different things in the process. There were all types of steps in mummification, depending

on the person. There was a 70 day process for mummification, sometimes even more.

The Egyptians made mummies following certain steps, and needed certain tools, also

needing certain people.