They also used the wax to seal the coffin and make it air tight, further preserving the body. They recognized the value of beeswax in mummification and used it for the embalming process. What was beeswax used for in mummification? Natron is a naturally occurring mixture of sodium carbonate decahydrate (Na2CO3♱0H2O, a kind of soda ash) and around 17% sodium bicarbonate (also called baking soda, NaHCO3) along with small quantities of sodium chloride and sodium sulfate. When the body had dried out completely, embalmers removed the internal packets and lightly washed the natron off the body. This they did by covering the body with natron, a type of salt which has great drying properties, and by placing additional natron packets inside the body.
How did Egyptians dry out the bodies of mummies? Degreased the body fats by removing moisture-filled fat cells. Natron’s salt properties worked to preserve the mummy in three ways: Dried the moisture in the flesh thereby inhibiting the growth of bacteria. The mineral was used during mummification ceremonies in ancient Egypt because it absorbs water and behaves as a drying agent.
Historical natron was harvested directly as a salt mixture from dry lake beds in ancient Egypt, and has been used for thousands of years as a cleaning product for both the home and body.
Protecting bodies from decay and preserving them in a recognizable form was extremely important for the ancient Egyptians, who believed that people needed their bodies in the afterlife.Īfter the body was cleansed and purified with powdered aromatics of cinnamon, cassia, cumin, anise, and myrrh, it was temporarily stuffed with a variety of plant materials for the dehydration process to absorb moisture and retain a lifelike shape to the body. The salt-like substance was also applied to dry out the removed internal organs, which were then placed in jars. Why did Egyptians use salt when mummifying a body? Then they dry out your body with a kind of salt. First, they pull out your brain and internal organs, except your heart, which stays. The ancient Egyptians would say if you had enough wealth and status, special priests could preserve you for all eternity. A compound of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate (salt and baking soda), natron essentially dried out the corpse. Natron, a disinfectant and desiccating agent, was the main ingredient used in the mummification process.
2 Why did Egyptians use salt when mummifying a body?.
0 kommentar(er)
