Expert: Ralph Salier - 9/10/2010

Question
Dr. Salier,
I am in 4th grade & am working on a project on Egyptian mummies. I wanted to ask you if it was only the rich or royal people who were mummified. Also, what was the purpose of applying resin to the body before wrapping it? Was the body washed/oiled before natron was used to dry it out or only after? Thank you for your help!

Answer
Hi Seth,

Mummification was generally reserved for the wealthy and royalty during the first and second dynastic periods of Egypt.  In the later dynasties even the middle class could afford to be mummified.  The quality of the mummification was not as good but it was better then nothing.  

The process was rather long and could take up to a year depending on the nature of the individual being prepared for the afterlife.  The body was washed and shaved. The internal organs were removed including the brain. Then the entire body was washed again, inside and out. Natron and salt was then applied to the insides to begin the drying process while the outside had slow drying oils with resins applied to keep the skin soft and life like.  The entire body was then bathed in natron to quickly dry out the body. It was then washed again and reoiled with the resin wash and then wrapped in linen cloth strips. As  this was being done, special amulets an protective charms were also being applied and placed in the wrappings.  The death mask and other items were placed on the wrappings and then the bundle was placed into the first of a series of coffins each adorned with the biography of the pharaoh.

I hope this helps