The Mummy

Have you ever wondered how a body is mummified? View the following video to find out how it is done.



Natron was used to remove moisture from the body. This salt-like substance would dry out and preserve more flesh than bone. Once dried, mummies were ceremoniously rubbed with oils and perfumes. The hollowed out body was then covered in natron to speed the process of drying and preventing decay. Finger and toe protectors were placed over the mummy's fingers and toes to prevent them from breaking. Mummies were wrapped with strips of white linen to protect the body from being damaged. After that, they were wrapped in a sheet of canvas to further protect them. Many sacred charms and amulets were placed in and around the mummy and the wrappings. This was intended to protect the mummy from harm and to give good luck to the soul of the mummy. Once preserved, they were laid to rest in a coffin inside a tomb.

Test Your Science

1. Give two reasons why natron was used in mummification.

Read about the Missing Mummy in the Young Scientists Issue 112 Level 1.