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The Story of King Tut Tut’s Funeral |
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First, priests placed the mummy inside a shrine and transported
it to the burial site known as the “beautiful West”—the
Valley of the Kings on the west bank of the Nile where the sun sets. The Opening of the Mouth Priests and the deceased’s heir touched the mummy’s
mouth with ritual implements while pronouncing spells to restore its senses.
This rite may originally have been a reenactment of the moment of birth,
when the midwife clears the newborn baby’s mouth for its first breath.
The Sarcophagus Like other 18th Dynasty kings, Tutankhamun was placed in
a series of three coffins housed in a large rectangular sarcophagus of
stone. A series of concentric shrines was then built around the sarcophagus,
further shielding the body. Together, they totaled nine—the Egyptian
number symbolizing infinity. Continue to Tutankhamun's Burial. >> |
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The
correct rites and equipment were essential if Tutankhamun’s spirit
was to maintain the proper order of the cosmos by joining the sun god
on his daily journey across the sky. 
Offerings
such as clothing and eye-paint were also given to the deceased, and priests
annointed the mummy with seven special oils. When the rituals were complete,
the mummy was considered an effective being, able to eat, drink, see,
and hear. Afterwards, mourners held a great banquet so the deceased could
join the party.