The Egyptians believed strongly in the afterlife. They believed that life after death would be even better than the current life. Each person had a physical body, a double (or Ka) and a spirit (or Ba). The pictures to the right show the Ka and the Ba. But, in order for the Ba to journey on toward the afterlife and become immortal, the body had to be preserved perfectly. In order to do this, the Egyptians developed a very elaborate system of embalming (or mummification). This embalming process could take up to 70 days sometimes. First, the body was elaborately clean. Next, in order to drain the body of all it's fluids (this is what causes a body to decay, because bacteria can form), a hole was cut in the body. The desecrating (ruining) of a dead body is against Egyptian beliefs, but in order to preserve the body properly, this was necessary, so a special priest dressed as Anubis, the god who watches over the dead, did the cutting. After he finished, those present in the room would throw small stones at him to show their anger at the desecration of the body.
Next, the internal organs were removed, all except for the heart. This was thought to be the center of intelligence, and so was needed when judgement time came. The removed organs were placed in 4 canopic jars, each with the head of a god or goddess on the top representing the protection from that god or goddess.
A protective amulet, the eye of Horus (the god of the dead) or "udjat," was placed over the wound opening. The Egyptians believed that the udjat would protect the healing of these wounds for the afterlife.
A salt-like compound called natron (very similar to idoized salt and baking soda) was used to pack the body and the canopic jars to aid in dehydrating the body and the organs. This was done for roughly 40 days.
Once the body was dehydrated. It was washed again, annointed with spices, and then wrapped in linen bandages. These bandages were wrapped tightly in order to retain the shape of the body. A poorly shaped body would mean that the spirit would not be able to be freed, to become immortal. During the process of wrapping the body a heart scarab amulet was placed over the chest of the mummy. This was to ensure that the heart would not make trouble for the spirit during judgement time.
After the elaborate embalming ritual is through, a mummy mask like the one to the left is constructed and placed over the body. This mask can extend to the length of the entire body, making it a coffin for the body.
Next, the body is placed in stone or wooden sarcophagus, which is richly decorated with drawings and carvings. The coffin is considered to be the house of the spirit. Often times, over the left shoulder of the body, on the sarcophagus udjats are drawn so that the spirit can look out side of the coffin at the world.
Culminating this long process is the burial, which is very elaborate. As mentioned elsewhere, many objects are buried with the mummy, who is sometimes buried in a pyramid, if the deceased was of royal blood.
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