WRAPPING

Mummification Wrapping (Swathing) is the final, elaborate stage of the embalming process. After drying, the body is wrapped in hundreds of yards of linen bandages. This was not merely coverage; it was a magical ritual of "binding" the body together to make it whole and indestructible, transforming the deceased into a divine being (Sah).

Material	Linen (Flax)
Duration	15 Days (approx.)
Key Additions	Amulets, Resins, Oils
Goal	Physical Protection & Spiritual Transformation

In Egyptian mythology, Isis wrapped the dismembered body of Osiris to knit him back together. By wrapping the deceased, the embalmers were reenacting this myth, effectively turning the mortal human into an "Osiris." The bandages symbolized the divine order that binds the universe against the forces of chaos and decay.

Before wrapping began, the body was anointed with the Seven Sacred Oils. These substances (including Cedar oil, Libyan oil, and Myrrh) were believed to soften the skin, making it lifelike again, and to imbue the body with the "scent of the gods." This ritual anointing was essential for the soul's acceptance in the Hall of Judgment.

Linen was considered a symbol of purity and light. Often, old household linens or temple cloths were recycled for mummification, carrying the spiritual charge of their previous use. The finest linen, known as Byssus, was placed closest to the skin.

The wrapping followed a strict protocol outlined in the "Ritual of the Embalmer" papyrus:

• Digits: Each finger and toe was wrapped individually to preserve their form.
• Limbs: Arms and legs were wrapped separately before being bound to the torso.
• Head: Great care was taken with the head, often creating an intricate geometric pattern with the bandages.
• Layers: Layers of resin-soaked linen were alternated with dry linen to create a hard, protective shell.

Molten resin (tree sap) was poured generously over the linen layers. This acted as a glue and a sealant, creating a waterproof barrier against bacteria and moisture. Over centuries, this resin turned black, leading early Arabs to mistake it for bitumen (mumiya), giving us the word "mummy."

Common amulets included:

Amulet	Shape	Function
Heart Scarab	Beetle	Prevents heart from confessing sins.
Wedjat Eye	Eye	Healing and wholeness.
Djed Pillar	Column	Stability (Osiris's backbone).
Tyet (Isis Knot)	Knot	Protection of Isis.

A Lector Priest recited specific spells for every bandage applied. For example, when wrapping the head, a spell was spoken to ensure the deceased would not lose their head in the afterlife. The physical act of wrapping was inseparable from the verbal act of spell-casting.

Once wrapping was complete, a large linen shroud covered the entire body. Finally, a Mummy Mask was placed over the head. Made of cartonnage (linen and plaster) and often gilded, this mask provided an idealized, eternal face for the Ba (soul) to recognize its body, ensuring it wouldn't return to the wrong corpse.

The quality of wrapping varied immensely. Royal mummies were wrapped in the finest linen with gold amulets. Poorer burials might use coarser cloth and faience or wood amulets. In later periods, intricate geometric patterns of bandaging became fashionable, turning the mummy itself into a work of art.

Wrapping transformed the corpse into a divine image. It hid the decay of death and replaced it with a perfect, imperishable form. The mummy was no longer a dead human but a "Sah"—a noble being ready to take its place among the stars.

Modern technology like CT scans allows us to see beneath the wrappings without damaging them. This reveals the placement of amulets, the condition of the body, and even mistakes made by embalmers (such as replacing missing limbs with sticks), providing a non-invasive look into ancient lives.

Stage	Wrapping (Bandaging)
Material	Linen & Resin
Key Additions	Amulets & Sacred Oils
Final Addition	Mummy Mask
Symbolism	Reconstitution of Osiris