Today we made jewellery for the Pharaohs. (Plasticine shapes, covered with foil and coloured with sharpies)
And we mummified a couple of dolls.
We mushed and discarded the brain, used Canopic jars for the intestines, lungs, liver and stomach.
We left the heart, just like the Egyptians would have done and then we salted and preserved the body.
We did laugh a little bit as we oiled and wrapped the body.
Completing the ritual with a death mask, jewels and food the body was ready for its pyramid burial.
We discussed the significance of the Scarab Beetle:
The scarab beetle is a real beetle, a common beetle. To the ancient Egyptians, this common beetle symbolized hope and the restoration of life. They used the design of a scarab beetle in many ways.
Seals were created in the shape of a scarab and used to stamp documents. Artisans made scarab jewellery using precious gems and painted clay. The same design was used to make good luck charms and amulets to ward off evil.
In ancient Egypt, scarab jewellery, good luck charms, and amulets were often given as gifts. An inscription was often added with the name of the owner and perhaps a motto or a message, like, "good luck in your new job".
Scarabs came in many designs including winged scarabs. The colours were rich and beautiful. Blue symbolized the Nile River. Red symbolized Ra. There were touches of yellow for the desert and sun. Green was used to emphasis growth.
Over time, the scarab became a sacred symbol.
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The River Nile and its inhabitants (with tame hippos by the looks of it).
Ancient Egypt facts...
...and research.
Fresh January air.
