Mummies and mummification of Bahariya

http://www.algomhuria.net.eg/gazette/5/
The occasional column by Zahi Hawass in the Egyptian Gazette, reproduced here in full because of the absence of an archive on the Gazette: "The ancient Egyptians developed remarkably sophisticated medical treatments for disease using both surgery and natural remedies. They understood chemistry and the effects of mixing several substances together. Some of these formulas have been passed down to us through surviving papyri.

The Egyptians also devised a highly effective method to preserve their dead. Mummification is a combination between magic and medicine and we know only a small portion of the vast information available about its methods, tools and materials. As for the ancient rituals and spells, we have much to learn.The mummies that were produced in the Graeco-Roman Period do not reflect the same meticulous care taken by the ancient Egyptians. Specialists working in groups took charge of the operations; priests no longer conducted the entire operation.

Preservation techniques were greatly simplified during this period, outer casing became extremely ornate and the linen wrappings became more sophisticated. Wrappings were crisscrossed in intricate patterns and sometime decorated with gold. Cartonnage cases and masks were moulded over the body and lavishly painted. Facial features were represented realistically; the ears and head were covered wigs that reached to the shoulders and chest. For the first time in Egypt, we see women's breasts painted on the outside of the mummies or articulated in breast plates. Featured on the masks were religious scenes, patterned lines, and gods such as Anubis, Horus, Isis, Osiris, Nephtys, Maat, Thoth and the four sons of Horus. A fascinating mix of Egyptian mythological beings painted in Hellenistic style.Graeco-Roman mummies saw resurgence in the use of much gold and gilding. I estimate that during the Graeco-Roman Period, one mummy would have cost the equivalent to a family's income for one year."

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