In ancient Egypt, the mummification chamber was the sacred place where the body of the deceased was prepared for the afterlife. It played an essential role in funeral rites.
It was often called wabet (“pure place”) or sometimes per nefer.
Located away from dwellings, often near the Nile (for water and purification) and close to necropolises.
The chamber was used to transform the body into a mummy, so that it could welcome the ka (life force) and the ba (soul) in the afterlife.
Extraction of internal organs (liver, lungs, stomach, intestines), placed in canopic jars
Drying of the body using natron (approximately 40 days)
Embalming with oils, resins and perfumes
Wrapping in linen bandages, with protective amulets
Archaeological discoveries
Mummification chambers have been found in Saqqara, Thebes and elsewhere.
Embalming tables, tools, natron and ointment containers have been discovered there.