Embalming in ancient Egypt is arguably one of the most well-known and fascinating practices associated with this ancient civilization. This article examines why the ancient Egyptians practiced embalming, analyzing the religious, cultural and social context of these complex funeral rites.
Religious beliefs and life after death
Embalming in ancient Egypt was rooted in deeply held religious beliefs regarding life after death. The Egyptians believed in the existence of an afterlife where the soul, or “ka”, would live forever. For them, the physical body was the vehicle of the soul in the afterlife, hence the importance of its preservation.
The “ka” was an integral part of the individual, considered his ethereal double. For the “ka” to survive, it had to have a physical place to reside, ie the body. If the decomposed body was not available, the “ka” might suffer in the afterlife. Therefore, the Egyptians developed embalming techniques to prevent decay and ensure a safe resting place for the “ka”.
Mummification as a social marker
The practice of embalming was also an important social marker in ancient Egypt. The methods and quality of embalming varied according to the social and economic status of the deceased. Pharaohs and nobles received the highest quality embalming treatments, using the finest materials and the most elaborate rituals.
For the lower classes, embalming techniques were often simpler and less expensive. Sometimes the bodies were simply cleaned and dried before being wrapped in linen. These differences reflected the social inequalities of ancient Egypt, even in death.
For economic reasons
Embalming and the associated funeral rituals had a considerable economic impact in ancient Egypt, stimulating several sectors of the economy and contributing to the development of crafts, trade and employment.
A. Crafts and trade
Embalming required a complex array of materials, including ointments, oils, resins, herbs, and bandages. The constant demand for these materials stimulated local industries and trade with other regions. Resins and scented oils, for example, were often imported from the Mediterranean coast and the Horn of Africa, thus strengthening Egyptian trade networks.
In addition, the manufacture of sarcophagi and coffins required wood, a precious material in Egypt. These commissions provided jobs for the carpenters and craftsmen who carved and painted the coffins. Jewelry, amulets and statues placed in tombs were also sources of employment for goldsmiths, potters and sculptors.
B. Employment and the Clergy
The embalming process itself was an important source of employment. Priests, who were often responsible for embalming, were paid for their services. Embalmers, carpenters, painters, engravers, and other craftsmen connected with the funerary process formed an important part of the Egyptian working class.
Furthermore, the temples that organized and controlled the embalming rituals gained in economic importance. They acquired land, wealth and power, often through donations made by pharaohs or wealthy individuals. This wealth was then reinvested in society in the form of temple constructions, commissioned works of art and other projects.