A review on the materials used during the mummification processes in ancient Egypt
Part of : Mediterranean archaeology & archaeometry : international journal ; Vol.11, No.2, 2011, pages 129-150
Issue:
Pages:
129-150
Section Title:
Articles
Abstract:
Mummification is considered one of the most important in the history of ancient Egyptian civili-zation. The artificial mummification process started in the Fourth Dynasty during the Old Kingdom reached its peak in the New Kingdom. This review focuses on the usage of mummification materi-als such as Natron salt, Coniferous resin, Mastic, Myrrh, Beeswax, Bitumen, Cassia, Onions, Lichen, Henna and Gum Arabic in ancient Egypt to determine their effectiveness in the preservation of the body. For each material, the chemical formula, the history, and the role in the preservation of the body are presented. It is shown that natron salt was the most important material to desiccate a corpse, and that the vegetable materials mentioned above have anti-bacterial properties that pro-tected the body from microbial attack.
Subject:
Subject (LC):
Keywords:
Mummification, Natron salt, vegetable materials, beeswax, bitumen, lichen
Notes:
Corresponding author: gomaaabdelmaksoud@yahoo.com
