Making a Mummy #3

 

 


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Natron, a type of salt, was the embalmers’ secret weapon. It coaxed moisture from the flesh and reduced odors. Small packets were stuffed inside the abdominal cavity. The body was covered with some 400 pounds of it.

 


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Thirty-five days after recreating the ancient embalmer’s art, Dr. Brier returned&emdash;fingers crossed. He saw . . . a mummy. Slowly, gently, Dr. Brier and his team removed the natron. They anointed the body, by now dehydrated, with frankincense and myrrh.

 


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Then the wrapping started&emdash;layer after layer of linen, decorated with hieroglyphic prayers. A small amulet was placed over the only organ left inside, the heart.