Creating a god: the mummification ritual

A study of the meaning and symbolism of the mummification ritual in the Graeco-Roman Period, as known from the papyrus known as the Rituel de l'embaumement (known from Cairo Pap. Bulaq III and Pap. Louvre 5.158), written in Middle Egyptian and dating to the late 1st century AD. Pap. Bulaq III was intended for the priest Heter, who lived at Thebes in the early 2nd century AD. His name is also associated with other finds: a Second Book of Breathings, and the coffin of Heter, now lost. Its scene of the night sky is described. The author dwells then on the Mummification Ritual of Pap. Bulaq 111, which manual provides a step by step instruction for the final phases of the consecration of the mummy as well as the documentation of the ritual recitations which accompanied each step. These recitations are quoted here and commented on in some detail. Its is concluded that these late copies preserve many older traditions. The end result is the gradual awakening of the deceased, his senses restored, his body preserved in the Netherworld and his ba free to travel at will, having been transformed into one of the gods in the heavenly land of Egypt. Added is a description of two Roman Period mummies from Medinet Habu. (OEB)