The Usage of Plant-Based Materials in the Mummification Process in the New Kingdom of Egypt

Student: Layan Shahrour (NHS’23)

This project explores the usage and role of plants or plant-based materials in the embalming and mummification processes. The project aims to answer: to what extent are plants used in the mummification process in the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt? And what purpose do these plant-based materials serve in the mummification process?

After an extensive botanical and historical research, a funerary scene was created showcasing the main plant-based materials used in the New Kingdom on a model with each of the materials displayed in small jars. Furthermore, a hand-made clay sarcophagus displays the final wrapped version of the mummy, while depicting spiritual and cultural symbols on the exterior of the sarcophagus. Canopic Jars are also displayed housing their respective organs in line with the figures’ spiritual significance and protective power.

In conclusion, the materials used in the mummification process were in fact plant-based, and they were used for antibacterial and microbial purposes, specifically for cleansing, perfuming, anointing, and as packing material.

This project not only allowed for the exploration of the role of plants in the mummification process, but also as a way to remember the history and culture of New Kingdom Egyptians and the religious influence/beliefs that played a role in the process and the materials used. Furthermore, in line with the discussions of toxins in the Introduction to Medical Humanities course, a greater understanding of the progression of toxins and technology in relation to medicine over time was achieved.

View Layan Shahrour’s Video
View Layan Shahrour’s Presentation
  • Hand-made clay sarcophagus displaying the final wrapped version of the mummy (the lid is open)
    The usage of plant-based materials in the mummification process in the New Kingdom of Egypt 1
  • Hand-made clay sarcophagus displaying the final wrapped version of the mummy (the lid is open)
    The usage of plant-based materials in the mummification process in the New Kingdom of Egypt 2
  • Picture of Layan Shahrour's research project. On the left, there is a doll representing the body that would be wrapped as a mummy in a sarcophagus. On the center, there are bottles representing the plant-based materials used in the mummification process, as well as canopic jars that were used to house their respective organs in line with the figures’ spiritual significance and protective power. On the right, there is a hand-made clay sarcophagus displaying the final wrapped version of the mummy (the lid is open). On top, there is a painting showing the human or godly figures associated with death in the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt. There is also some illegible text on each side, describing the research project
    The usage of plant-based materials in the mummification process in the New Kingdom of Egypt 3
  • Picture of Layan Shahrour's research project. On the left, there is a doll representing the body that would be wrapped as a mummy in a sarcophagus. On the center, there are bottles representing the plant-based materials used in the mummification process, as well as canopic jars that were used to house their respective organs in line with the figures’ spiritual significance and protective power. On the right, there is a hand-made clay sarcophagus displaying the final wrapped version of the mummy (the lid is open)
    The usage of plant-based materials in the mummification process in the New Kingdom of Egypt 4
  • Painting showing the human or godly figures associated with death in the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt. Underneath, there are canopic jars that were used to house their respective organs in line with the figures’ spiritual significance and protective power
    The usage of plant-based materials in the mummification process in the New Kingdom of Egypt 5
  • Hand-made clay sarcophagus displaying the final wrapped version of the mummy (the lid is closed). On top of that, there is some illegible text with a description of the research project
    The usage of plant-based materials in the mummification process in the New Kingdom of Egypt 6
  • Doll representing the body that would be wrapped as a mummy in a sarcophagus. On top of that, there is some illegible text with a description of the research project
    The usage of plant-based materials in the mummification process in the New Kingdom of Egypt 7
  • Doll representing the body that would be wrapped as a mummy in a sarcophagus
    The usage of plant-based materials in the mummification process in the New Kingdom of Egypt 8
  • Bottles representing the plant-based materials used in the mummification process
    The usage of plant-based materials in the mummification process in the New Kingdom of Egypt 9
  • Canopic jars that were used to house their respective organs in line with the figures’ spiritual significance and protective power
    The usage of plant-based materials in the mummification process in the New Kingdom of Egypt 10
  • Hand-made clay sarcophagus displaying the final wrapped version of the mummy (the lid is closed). Next, there are bottles representing the plant-based materials used in the mummification process. There are also canopic jars that were used to house their respective organs in line with the figures’ spiritual significance and protective power, and a doll representing the body that would be wrapped as a mummy in a sarcophagus
    The usage of plant-based materials in the mummification process in the New Kingdom of Egypt 11
  • Hand-made clay sarcophagus displaying the final wrapped version of the mummy (the lid is closed). Next, there are bottles representing the plant-based materials used in the mummification process
    The usage of plant-based materials in the mummification process in the New Kingdom of Egypt 12
  • Layan Shahrour displays her project about the usage of plant-based materials in the mummification process in the New Kingdom of Egypt, before the Intro to Medical Humanities class. She is holding a hand-made clay sarcophagus where a mummy would be placed
    The usage of plant-based materials in the mummification process in the New Kingdom of Egypt 13
  • Layan Shahrour displays her project about the usage of plant-based materials in the mummification process in the New Kingdom of Egypt, before the Intro to Medical Humanities class. She is holding a doll, representing the body that would be wrapped as a mummy in a sarcophagus
    The usage of plant-based materials in the mummification process in the New Kingdom of Egypt 14
  • Layan Shahrour displays her project about the usage of plant-based materials in the mummification process in the New Kingdom of Egypt, before the Intro to Medical Humanities class. She is presenting a painting made by her showing the human or godly figures associated with death in the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt
    The usage of plant-based materials in the mummification process in the New Kingdom of Egypt 15