The Mummification museum in Luxor (ancient Thebes), intended to provide an understanding of the process to preserve the body. The ancient Egyptians not only applied embalming to dead humans but also to many animals (Cats, dogs, crocodiles…. etc.). God Anubis(the Jackal) was the god of embalming and mummification.
Mummification process is believed to have taken around 70 days, accompanied by many rituals. The organs of the deceased were carefully removed through a small incision (10 cm) in the left side of the body and preserved in Canopic jars. The body was then dried in sodium nitrate, or nitrate salt brought from Wadi El Natron, for about 40 days, and finally wrapped in bandages of linen. Magical amulets were placed within the wrappings on various parts of the body to protect the deceased. The family then received the body and placed it in a coffin for burial.
The Mummification Museum provides a comprehensive view of the entire process through the display of many tools, objects and equipment used for the process, as well as, an explanation of the ritual and religious significance of the practice. Canopic jars, elaborately decorated coffins, mummified remains; amulets and statues of deities are among the many objects on display.
Housed in the former visitors centre on Luxor’s corniche, the Mummification Museum has well-presented exhibits explaining the art of mummification. The museum is small and some may find the entrance fee overpriced. Also, although it should be open throughout the day, a lack of visitors means that it sometimes closes for several hours after midday.
On display are the well-preserved mummy of a 21st-dynasty high priest of Amun, Maserharti, and a host of mummified animals. Vitrines show the tools and materials used in the mummification process – check out the small spoon and metal spatula used for scraping the brain out of the skull. Several artefacts that were crucial to the mummy’s journey to the afterlife have also been included, as well as some picturesque painted coffins. Presiding over the entrance is a beautiful little statue of the jackal god, Anubis, the god of embalming who helped Isis turn her brother-husband Osiris into the first mummy.
A day tour to Luxor museum and the Mummification museum in Luxor will give you a back ground about the whole ancient Egyptian history, the pharaohs who ruled Egypt and how they did and the most important thing, your Egyptologist guide will tell you how the Egyptians mummified their dead and see their mummies!
Luxor Museum hosts a big display of master pieces statues, pottery, jewelry and furniture. Luxor museum became so important after adding a big hall to it, which includes 2 royal mummies, Tut Ankh-Amoun’s war chariot and the war equipment that were used by the ancient Egyptians.
Here are some facts about the Mummification Museum in Luxor, Egypt:
Location: The Mummification Museum is located on the Corniche, the main road along the Nile River in Luxor, Egypt.
Establishment: The museum was opened in 1997 by President Hosni Mubarak.
Purpose: The museum is dedicated to the art of Ancient Egyptian mummification. It aims to provide visitors with an understanding of the process and the religious beliefs behind it.
Exhibits: The museum has a wide variety of exhibits, including:
- Mummified remains of humans and animals, including a well-preserved mummy of a 21st-dynasty high priest of Amun, Maserharti.
- Canopic jars, which were used to store the organs of the deceased.
- Tools and materials used in the mummification process, such as a small spoon and metal spatula used for scraping the brain out of the skull.
- Elaborately decorated coffins.
- Amulets and statues of deities.
The Mummification Luxor Museum is a fascinating and informative place to learn about the ancient Egyptian practice of mummification. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient Egypt.
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