Mummified infant, Egypt, 2000-101 BCE
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Mummification was a complicated burial process common in ancient Egypt. First the internal organs were removed, apart from the heart, which was considered to be the seat of the mind and the emotions. The lungs, liver, intestines and stomach were placed in separate canopic jars, to be buried with the body. The body was then dried with natron for forty days. Once dried the fingers, toes, arms and legs were wrapped individually. The whole body was then wrapped in cloth with amulets and items to help the deceased see, hear, speak, taste and eat in the afterlife.
Object number:
A634914
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: mummification
No description.
Glossary: amulet
Small object or piece of jewellery worn as a protecting charm to ward off ill health and bad luck.
Glossary: canopic jar
Stone or ceramic jars in which the ancient Egyptians preserved the internal organs of a deceased person as part of their burial practices.
Glossary: mummy
A corpse which has been preserved through natural or artificial methods, often for religious reasons.