Then put that coffin in a coffin, and that coffin in another one and so on. When the wrapping is all done, put the mummy in a coffin. Don’t forget to tuck in some lucky amulets, and then utter spells to activate their magical protective powers. Next, scoop out the natron and stuff the body with spices, rags and plants so it doesn”t lose its shape.ĥ. Leave it for about 40 days to dry out completely.Ĥ. At the present time it is found in three localities in Egypt, two (the Wadi Natrun and the Behera province) in Lower Egypt and one (El-Kab) in Upper Egypt. Use a special Egyptian salt called natron to fill up the cavities and cover up the body. Natron is a naturally-occurring compound of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. The heart will need to be put back in the body, though, as it’s the centre of intelligence*.ģ. Clean the liver, lungs, intestines and stomach, then pop them in four special canopic jars whose lids look like the gods that guard them. Then pull out this useless organ* and chuck it away.Ģ. To get to the brain, shove a hook up the nose and jiggle it about. Make a cut in the side and take out the organs. First wash the dead body in wine and Nile water.

Want to make sure a body gets reunited with its spirit in the afterlife? Then join us here at National Geographic Kids as we head to Ancient Egypt to see how they made their mummies…!ġ. Although most scholars believed that the bodies of pharaohs were covered in natron salt to dry the body out, Buckley believes that the bodies were actually submerged in a solution of natron salt and water, which allowed the salt to soak into the very tissues of the body, preserving it in a way that dry salt could not.

Egyptian natron salt