Kathy W. from Alaska wrote to suggest how children could make an Egyptian mummy (a
human mummy) as a school project, using a recipe she perfected quite a long time ago.
Kathy
remembered: "When
I was in 5th grade, 36 years ago, I did a mummy demonstration when we were studying Egypt.
A friend was the dead body, and I pulled out his innards and replaced them with
preservatives (sawdust, salt, etc.). It was so creative that we ended up doing it before
the whole school. I really thought your web pages were really terrific and hope to
visit them again!"
I don't know if Kathy is a good
cook or not--but here is her great recipe. I have taken the
liberty of changing it a little--and you should, too:
1. Give your audience an introduction on mummies.
(The "dead body" lies
on table beside you. The body should be on a sheet and at least partly covered by a plain
towel.) Tell who they were, why they were made, etc.
2. Announce that you will now demonstrate how to make an
Egyptian mummy.
3. Remove the insides so that the body does not rot.
Take the large cardboard knife and pretend to slice the
body open. Then, as you pull out each of the innards, announce what you are removing.
(Kathy
remembered: "While Kelly was up there, he would wiggle his toes which made everyone
laugh because he was suppose to be dead.")
4. Add liberal amounts of natron (salt) to dry the body for
many days. Sprinkle salt.
5. Pack with sawdust to return the body to its natural
shape. Add handfuls of sawdust under the
towel. (Kathy remembered:
"The sawdust made Kelly sneeze which made everyone laugh again.")
6. Wrap in cloth and add amulets and jewelry.
Use sheet that body is already on top
of.
7. Place in coffin for burial.
Slide body off table and place in refrigerator box. Ask
classmates to help carry mummy to the tomb.
8. Take a bow (and get your A)!
