Selects: How Mummies Work | Stuff You Should Know

Intro

In this episode of “Stuff You Should Know,” the hosts explore the fascinating world of mummies. They delve into the process of mummification, the rituals and beliefs associated with it, and even touch upon mummification practices in other cultures. Join them on this educational and intriguing journey into the world of mummies.

Main Takeaways

The Process of Mummification

• The process of autolysis and putrefaction occur after death, leading to the reduction of everything to a skeleton.
• Bacteria plays a role in putrefaction, and the timeline for this process depends on the location.
• Sand is a great natural preservative for mummies because it removes humidity and allows the tissue to remain intact.
• The Egyptians developed elaborate burial practices and rituals to ensure the preservation of the body and the afterlife.
• The brain was removed through the nose, while other organs were preserved and wrapped in linen strips.
• The body was then covered in Natron powder for 40 days to completely dry it out.
• For ordinary people, a budget mummification involved injecting oil into the cavities to stop up orifices and drain out liquefied organs and tissue.

Rituals and Beliefs

• Mummification was done to preserve the Ka spirit, which was inextricably linked with the corpse.
• The heart was left in the body because it was believed to be linked to the soul and spirit.
• The ceremony of the mouth was a restoration of the five senses to the deceased.
• Caskets were placed leaned up against the wall in tombs, which was an unusual practice.
• Mummies were often sealed with inscriptions of curses to protect them from desecration.
• People in the 1920s became fascinated with mummies and even had unraveling parties.

Mummies in Other Cultures

• The oldest mummies in the world are from Northern Chile, made by the Chinchoro people.
• The Incas also practiced body modification and sacrificed children to their gods.
• Lady Cheng, a Chinese aristocrat, is believed to be the best-preserved ancient mummy so far.
• Modern mummification techniques have been developed, such as replacing bodily fluids with wax or using plastonization.

Summary

The Process of Mummification

The process of mummification involves the natural decay of the body after death, followed by preservation techniques. Bacteria and environmental factors play a role in the decay process, while sand acts as a natural preservative. The Egyptians developed elaborate burial practices and rituals to ensure the preservation of the body and the afterlife. The brain and some organs were removed, and the body was covered in Natron powder to dry it out. For ordinary people, a simpler mummification process involved injecting oil to stop decay.

Rituals and Beliefs

Mummification was a sacred ritual for the Egyptians, as it was believed to preserve the Ka spirit, which was connected to the corpse. The heart, seen as the seat of the soul and spirit, was left in the body. The ceremony of the mouth restored the deceased’s senses. Unusual burial practices, such as placing caskets against the wall, and the use of mummy curses were part of the Egyptian belief system. Mummies also captivated people in the 1920s, leading to unraveling parties.

Mummies in Other Cultures

Mummification was not limited to ancient Egypt. The Chinchoro people in Northern Chile created the oldest known mummies. The Incas practiced body modification and sacrificed children to their gods. Lady Cheng, a Chinese aristocrat, is considered one of the best-preserved mummies. Modern mummification techniques have been developed, including the use of wax or plastonization. These techniques have allowed for the preservation of bodies in various contexts, from scientific research to museum exhibitions.

Conclusion

Exploring the world of mummies reveals the intricate and fascinating practices of ancient civilizations. The Egyptians’ dedication to preserving the body for the afterlife showcases their beliefs and rituals. Additionally, mummification practices in other cultures shed light on the diversity of human practices and beliefs. Whether it’s the scientific process of mummification or the cultural significance behind it, mummies continue to captivate and intrigue us.