L'imbalsamazione. Parte 1

Ancient Egyptian Beliefs About the Afterlife

The Concept of the Soul and Afterlife

• Ancient Egyptians believed that death was a transition to another form of life, necessitating various measures to ensure the soul's continuation after death.

• The soul detached from the body and descended into the underworld; it comprised two components: the "ka" (the true self) and "ba" (the vital breath).

• The "ba," depicted as a bird with a human head, could freely enter and exit the tomb, while the "ka" needed to be reincarnated in its body for eternal life.

Mummification Process

• Egyptians developed sophisticated embalming techniques over time, documented by Greek historians Herodotus and Diodorus Siculus.

• The mummification process began with washing the body using natron water; then, brain removal through the nose became standard practice during the New Kingdom.

Organ Removal and Preservation

• An incision was made on the left side of the abdomen to remove internal organs like intestines, stomach, liver, lungs, while leaving the heart intact as it was central to life.

• Removed organs were treated with natron salts for preservation before being wrapped in linen and placed in canopic jars alongside sarcophagi.

Drying and Final Preparations

• After organ removal, thoracic cavities were cleaned with palm wine; temporary stuffing included dry natron powder to aid tissue drying.

• Dehydration was crucial; bodies were covered in dry natron for about 70 days. This period likely included all mummification steps rather than just dehydration.

Completion of Mummification

• Once dehydrated, bodies lost weight and rigidity; they underwent final cleaning before permanent stuffing with linen bandages to restore natural shape.

Ancient Embalming Techniques

Materials Used in Embalming

• The embalming process involved the use of resin and packages containing myrrh, mixed sawdust, and sometimes onions and lichens.

• Bandages soaked in resin or liquid resin were inserted into the cranial cavity using a specific wooden tool known as the "cucchiaio ricci."

Closure of Incisions

• After filling the cranial cavity, the abdominal incision was typically left open.