Mummification was a custom of preserving bodies of deceased performed by ancient Egyptians. Before pharaohs, deceased where buried in the desert where sand, temperature and dehydration preserved the bodies. With development of architecture and tombs, came artificial ways of keeping bodies from decay. It was believed that the spirit can re-enter the body in the afterlife and destruction of a body (or mummy) meant destruction of a spirit (unless statue of deceased was provided for spirit to inhabit it). The whole process of mummification took up to 70 days. During that period the body was washed and internal organs removed, with exception of heart. Other vital organs were placed in separate containers called canopic jars. The brain was drawn through the nose, using metal rod for head to remain intact. After removal of organs and intestines body was dehydrated in mixture of crushed salt for 40 days, skin rubbed with oils, cavity packed with lichen or bandages to reduce shrinkage, then wrapped in bandages, that could use up to 375 square meters of linen.
