The organs in the chest were preserved in varying ways as the mummification process evolved. Depending on the period, and the wealth of the dead person, various methods were used.
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Perhaps the most well known method was the use of Canopic Jars. These were used to hold the lungs, liver, stomach and intestines of the deceased. Initially these jars usually had lids which were either representations of the deceased, or of the Four sons of Horus. |
| In certain burials, such as those of the Pharaohs, the provision for the protection of the internal organs was often more sophisticated. This Canopic Coffin is one of a set found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. The embalmed organs were placed inside the coffins which were then put into an alabaster canopic chest with the four stoppers carved with the Pharaohs likeness. |
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In an alternative method the internal organs were placed in a solution of Natron salt and interred in a special Canopic Chest, or returned to the body cavity. In these cases dummy canopic jars may have also been included in the tomb.
In later periods the processes used seem to have decreased in complexity. In the later dynasties a liquid similar to Turpentine was injected up the anus of the deceased. This liquid dissolved the soft internal organs and was then drained.
In cases where the Internal organs were not left in place, or returned after treatment, the body cavity was packed with a filler. This could have been resin soaked linen, straw, mud, or virtually anything else.
Another process was to remove the internal organs, mummify them individually, then return them to the body cavity. In many cases figures of the Sons of Horus were included with the packages. These figures are clearly visible on some Mummy X-Rays.
