Post by TumRe on Aug 25, 2004 21:10:03 GMT -5
QUES: What did the Tama-reans (Egyptians) do with their dead?
The art and techniques of embalming began in ancient Tama-re (Egypt). The Tama-reans used various methods for preparing the dead for the burial, two of which are laamub (embalming) and istamaamfi (mummification). One process of embalming was used only by Kings, Nobles, and those who could afford it. The first step in this process was an incision made in the left side of the groin, from which the lungs, stomach, intestines, and liver were removed. The organs were washed in palm wine and then stuffed, and placed in canopic jars made from alabaster. The heart was left inside of the body to be weighed against the ostrich feather of truth worn by the Tama-rean deity Netert: Ma’at.
The jars that the [deceased’s] organs were put into symbolize the four sons of Haru and were depicted as the four species on the four canopic jars in ancient Tama-Re (Egypt).
West, the symbol of water, whose name is Imset, the species of reptilian or the Homo sapiens.
North, the symbol of Earth, whose name is Duamutef (Tuamutef), the species of canine or the dog.
South, the symbol of fire, whose name is Qebehsenuf, the species of fowl or the bird.
East, the symbol of air, whose name is Hapi, the species of simian or the monkey.
In order to preserve the bodies of the dead relative, various processes of embalming were depending on the status of the deceased and the wealth of the deceased’s family. There is a period where the people are allowed to publicly voice their opinion about their Pharaoh. In some cases, if he was found unjust or cruel during his ruling he was denied a decent burial. When one becomes Pharaoh he is like a link between the “Gods” Neteru and man, and must rule justly or receive an eternal mocking after his death, with this in mind the Pharaoh is encouraged to rule justly.
The brain was removed through the nostril by an iron rod curved at one end and set aside to be dried and is buried with the body. As each step is done, a formula or prayer from the Book of the Dead is recited over the body of the deceased. Once all perishable parts have been removed from the body, the body of the pharaoh would be soaked in a solution of natron for 70 days; any longer, would be unlawful. The body had natron crystal packed around it for 40 days after which the decaying process would stop and the body is washed and dried carefully. The natron turns the color of the skin to a greenish-gray.
The hair and nails stay intact; yet, the flesh shrinks. The fleshy areas, such as the fingertips and thighs and back of the legs, are stuffed with a mixture of sweet spices and natron through small vertical incisions, which are sewn up afterwards. The nails are also stained with henna. The cavity of the skull is filled with a mixture of spices and powdered plaster and natron. The nostril, through which the brain was removed, is plugged with linen pledges that have been dipped in an astringent.
The breast and stomach are stuffed through the small slit on the side with bitumen and large quantities of gum, spice, and natron. After this, the body is ready to be wrapped. A small scarab ring is placed on the pinkie finger, which is supposed to confer power on the deceased. The body is covered with unguents, and one side of the three stripes is dipped in water. The hands and feet are wrapped separately before the body is bandaged. Once completed, the body is wrapped, starting from the feet going upward towards the head and jewelry and amulets are placed in between the layers. The bandages themselves are held together by smaller strips, wound at the body at intervals of six and eight inches that are tied in a double knot. Thick pads of linen are laid under the feet of the mummy to protect it from injury when it is made to stand up. The arms are then folded across the stomach, and the embalming process is complete.