Ancient Egyptian Funerary

Practices in ancient Egypt were complex and varied depending on social status and time period. However, some common elements can be found throughout Egyptian history.

1. Mummification:

The process of preserving the body through drying and wrapping. This was to ensure that the one’s physical form would remain intact after death so that they could continue their journey in the afterlife.

2. Ka and Ba:

Central beliefs in Egyptian funerary practices include the existence of two parts of the soul, the Ka, and the Ba. The Ka was the spiritual representation of the body and needed physical offerings of food and drink to sustain it in the afterlife. The Ba was a personality which could travel freely between the afterlife and the physical world.

3. Funerary texts:

A range of funerary texts were produced to assist the deceased on their journey to the afterlife. Some of the most notable funerary texts included the Book of the Dead and the Coffin Texts.

4. Tombs:

In fact, The pyramids and burial tombs were constructed to house the deceased’s body, belongings, and offerings for the afterlife.

5. Death masks:

In fact, Death masks personalized and safeguard the mummy’s head. They protected the deceased in the afterlife and give them an identity.

6. Funerary objects:

In fact, Items were under the ground with the deceased to serve specific functions in the afterlife. Such includes food, drink, clothing, jewelry, and even their pets. In fact, The objects were in their tombs to equip them for the journey to the afterlife.

7. Opening of the Mouth ceremony:

One of the most important rituals of ancient Egyptian funerary practices. In fact, They thought that the ceremony would allow the deceased to eat and drink in the afterlife.

8. Canopic jars:

The organs of the mummy were out during the mummification process, and they were in special containers famous as canopic jars. In fact, The jars were four in number, each with the head of a different god as a lid.

9. The weighing of the heart:

In the afterlife, the deceased’s heart would be weighed against the feather of truth by the god, Anubis. If the heart was light, it would mean that the one led a good life, and they would have great afterlife.

10. Professional mourners:

At the funeral, family and friends of the deceased would hire professional mourners to lament and express their grief. In fact, That the more mourners present, the more impressive the funeral, and the more honorable the deceased.