The ancient Egyptian practice of cutting open the left side of the body has intrigued and puzzled scholars for centuries. This ritual was an integral part of the intricate Egyptian embalming process, which was intended to preserve the body for resurrection in the afterlife. But why specifically the left side? What significance did the ancient Egyptians attach to this seemingly bizarre practice? In exploring these questions, we gain fascinating insight into the religious beliefs and spiritual worldview that shaped this remarkable ancient civilization.
The Significance of the Left Side in Ancient Egyptian Belief
In ancient Egyptian religious thought, the left side held unique importance. This stemmed from the ancient Egyptians’ conception of the human soul. They believed each person possessed a number of different souls, including the ka, ba, akh, and shadow. The ka was a person’s life force or vital essence. The ba referred to someone’s unique character and personality traits. The akh was the immortal, glorified soul that arose after death. The shadow was simply the person’s shadow.
Of all these elements of the soul, the ka was most closely associated with the left side of the body. The Egyptians believed the ka lived within the person’s physical form, specifically residing in the left side of the chest. Should the ka depart, a person would die. For this reason, the ancient Egyptians took great care to preserve the body’s left side during mummification, so that the ka would remain intact. By cutting open the left side, embalmers could directly access, cleanse, and treat the area inhabited by the ka.
Key Takeaways
- The ka was an ancient Egyptian’s life force, residing in the left side of the chest.
- Preserving the left side during mummification ensured the ka stayed intact.
- Cutting open the left side gave embalmers direct access to cleanse and treat the ka’s location.
The Step-by-Step Mummification Process
The entire process of mummifying the dead was incredibly elaborate, taking over two months to complete. Preserving the body and soul for eternal life in the afterlife was no simple undertaking. The intricate procedures the ancient embalmers followed can be divided into several key stages.
Step 1: Cleansing the Corpse
After a person died, their body was delivered to the Per Nefer, or ‘Place of Beauty,’ which was the embalmers’ workshop. Here the embalmers would first wash the body with water from the Nile. Possibly some kind of oil or perfume was also used during cleansing, likely for ritual purposes.
Step 2: Removal of Organs
Next, nearly all the organs were removed from the abdomen through a cut usually made on the left side. The heart was left in place, as it was considered the center of thought and personality. The brain was removed through the nose with a special hook inserted to pull it out piece by piece. The removed organs were washed, coated in resin, wrapped in linen, and placed into jars. The jars were stored in the tomb with the body.
Step 3: Drying Out Process
After removal of the organs, the emptied-out body cavity was thoroughly rinsed and then packed with natron salt for about 40 days. This desiccated or dried out the body to aid preservation. The body was turned periodically during this time to ensure even drying.
Step 4: Resin Treatment
Once sufficiently dried, the body cavities were stuffed with linen, sawdust, sand or other packing material to restore a more natural shape. The body was then anointed with oils, herbs, and resin, which further waterproofed the skin and gave the dried flesh a lifelike appearance and flexibility.
Step 5: Wrapping
The final step was wrapping the body in many layers of linen strips dipped in resin. Amulets and charms were tucked between the layers for protection in the afterlife. The wrapped body was then placed into one or more coffins, or sarcophagi, before burial in a tomb.
Key Takeaways
- The mummification process took over two months and involved cleansing, organ removal, drying, and wrapping the body.
- Most organs were removed through a cut on the left side to access the area inhabited by the ka.
- The body was dried with natron salt, then treated with oils and resin for preservation.
The Opening of the Mouth Ceremony
Once a body was fully mummified, an important ritual called the ‘Opening of the Mouth’ ceremony was conducted. This ritual enabled the deceased’s ba to rejoin the body so the person could arise in the afterlife. A priest would perform the ceremony using special instruments to touch various parts of the mummified body.
This practice often involved another left side ritual. The main mouth-opening tool, a sort of adze or ritual blade, was used to touch the mouth of the mummy. But it also made a small incision on the left side of the mummy’s face, near the mouth. Again, this seems to be linked to the importance of the left side as the abode of the ka. The incision may have been meant to help release the ka at the time of resurrection.
Key Takeaways
- The Opening of the Mouth ceremony enabled the deceased’s resurrection in the afterlife.
- A ritual blade made an incision on the mummy’s left cheek, likely to release the ka.
- This reflects the continued focus on the left side in Egyptian religious practices.
Exceptions and Variations in Mummification
While the classical Egyptian mummification process generally followed consistent steps, there were some exceptions and variations that occurred over the centuries this practice was performed. These included:
Animal Mummies
Egyptians not only mummified human corpses but also animals, especially cats, falcons, bulls and some other sacred creatures. Animal mummies were often wrapped and decorated with the same care as human ones.
Varying Body Treatment
The extent of organ removal and preservation treatment depended greatly on the wealth of the deceased. Poorer Egyptians would often be mummified with fewer steps and less intricate techniques. Internal organs might be left in place or just partially removed.
Fake Mummies
Some mummies contain only random wrappings, sand, or dried mud rather than an actual body. This happened in cases of faked burials or when a proper corpse was unavailable.
Natural vs. Artificial Mummification
Some bodies were naturally preserved by very dry, hot sands in desert graves. In other cases, museums today exhibit “mummies” that were deliberately created long after ancient Egyptian times.
Key Takeaways
- Animal mummies were also created through elaborate processes.
- Poorer people had simplified mummification procedures.
- Some mummies contain no actual corpse.
- Not all mummies originated from ancient Egypt.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Animal mummies | Mummified sacred animals like cats, falcons and bulls. |
| Simplified mummies | Lower class Egyptians with fewer resources had abbreviated procedures. |
| Fake mummies | Some contain just wrappings and materials but no actual corpse. |
| Natural mummies | Bodies preserved by hot, dry desert conditions in graves. |
| Artificial mummies | Deliberately created in modern times, not from ancient Egypt. |
The Decline of Mummification
After flourishing for many centuries in ancient Egypt, the elaborate mummification practices gradually declined and eventually disappeared. Some key reasons behind this include:
Spread of Christianity
As Christianity spread in Egypt, traditional Egyptian religious beliefs and funeral rituals became less common. Mummification was not practiced by early Christians.
Cost
Proper mummification was expensive, requiring many supplies and specialist embalmers. Over time, fewer Egyptians could afford the high costs.
Secrets Lost
The highly complex procedures were closely guarded secrets among embalming guilds. As demand decreased, many specific techniques were simply lost.
Grave Robbers
Widespread looting of tombs and selling of mummies as curiosities also undermined traditional beliefs about preserving the body.
Foreign Rule
Egypt came under the control of foreign rulers like the Greeks, Romans and Arabs. Indigenous traditions including mummification declined under outside influence.
Key Takeaways
- Christianity spread as traditional Egyptian religion faded.
- Fewer people could afford proper mummification over time.
- Specialized embalming knowledge was lost.
- Grave robbing and foreign rule further eroded old practices.
Modern Interest in Mummies
While mummification ended in ancient Egypt, mummies themselves have continued to fascinate people in modern times. Some key ways mummies influence the modern world include:
Mummy Exhibits
Mummies from ancient Egypt are displayed in many leading museums around the world as highlights of their collections.
Scientific Study
Modern science utilizes CT scans, x-rays, DNA analysis and other techniques to uncover secrets about mummification and life in ancient Egypt.
Popular Culture
Mummies are ubiquitous in horror films, literature, video games, and Halloween decorations, often portrayed as menacing monsters.
Tourism
Visitors flock to Egypt’s ancient sites, with mummies among the most popular attractions highlighting the country’s cultural heritage.
Controversy Over Repatriation
Some Egyptians call for returning mummies in foreign collections, while museums debate proper care and access.
Key Takeaways
- Mummies remain key exhibits in many major museums.
- Scientific analysis unlocks new knowledge about ancient Egypt.
- Mummies are part of popular culture, often portrayed as scary monsters.
- Mummy-related tourism generates revenue but also controversy.
| Aspect | Examples |
|---|---|
| Museum exhibits | Displayed at the British Museum, Louvre, Cairo Museum, others |
| Scientific research | DNA analysis, CT scans, radiocarbon dating |
| Pop culture | Horror movie villains, Halloween decor, video game characters |
| Tourism | Top attraction at sites like Luxor’s Valley of the Kings |
| Repatriation debate | Egypt requests mummy returns from foreign museums |
Conclusion
The ancient Egyptian practice of mummification has long fascinated us and continues to inspire both scientific curiosity and popular imagination. By cutting open and preserving the left side of the body, embalmers were able to maintain the ka, or life force, so the deceased could arise for eternal life. While specific beliefs changed over Egypt’s 3,000 year history, this ritual emphasis on the left side persisted due to its immense spiritual significance for resurrection in the afterlife. The intricate process of mummification illuminates an entire civilization’s outlook on death and the enduring human quest for immortality.