How and why did they mummify animals?
Animals were mummified much the same way humans were. The internal organs would be removed and the body would be treated with salt to dry it out. Later it would be wrapped and covered with resin. Frequently, what were sold as animal mummies were "false" mummies; the ibis here, for example, is just some feathers and stuffing wrapped up in linen.
The mummies were believed to deliver one's wishes, gratitude, of messages to the gods, animal mummies functioned as votive offerings to the gods and the deceased.
Do you have any other special information about mummified animals?
Certainly! It is believed that most animal mummies were created as offerings to various gods. Sometimes the wealthy could mummify their pets to be buried with them, too.
Is there a specific reason to offer animals to the gods?
Offerings of food, animals and other objects were made to the gods for a multitude of reasons. People would make offerings while asking a god for assistance or to thank a god for something good. Certain animals were offered to certain gods, and at certain times. For example, the ibis being offered to Thoth which I just described. Another example is during a funeral procession when sometimes a jackal's skin would be placed in an offering to Anubis, who is often represented as a jackal, and is believed to be the guardian of mummies.
Cool that makes sense
It makes complete sense to want to offer something special to Anubis so he would protect your mummy and safely escort you to the netherworld!
Did the Egyptians keep pets
Yes! Cats and dogs, and even baboons and other animals have been known as pets, and are depicted in tomb reliefs, pottery and jewelry.
Thanks
Any idea as to type of dog?
We don't actually have genetic information on these two dog mummies but because of their size they are likely desert dogs of some kind. Like most images of dogs in ancient Egypt, they were likely associated with the god Anubis or Wepwawet
No X-ray either? Perhaps they were puppies.
No, none on view unfortunately. They did do C-14 dating on the linen wrapping but the animal remains may have been too fragile or deteriorated to take a sample.
Yes, puppies are most definitely an option as well. We have evidence of ancient Egyptians mummifying kittens, juvenile crocodiles, and young ibises as well.
Thanks for your feedback.
Is the dog small, shrunk, or just part of a dog?
The mummification process dries out the body so it does get a lot smaller. The linen is wrapped very tightly as well contributing to the small size of this mummy.
What deity were dog mummies associated with?
Dog mummies were associated with the jackal headed god and inventor of embalming, Anubis. They were also associated with Wepwawet among members of certain cults. Wepwawet was believed to be protector and guide to the deceased.
Sometimes jackal-shaped Anubis statues were even put on top of a coffin or sarcophagus to guard the mummy.
Why did they mummify the dog?
The ancient Egyptians mummified animals who embodied characteristics of certain gods in the hopes that when they were mummified and buried, that their souls would would travel to the realm of the gods and deliver a message for them.
These messages were written on papyrus and included requests for help with work, court, sickness or other personal problems.
The dog was normally associated with two deities, Anubis and Wepwawet. Anubis was the guardian of the mummification and burials. Because dogs lived in the desert, they were often seen roaming around cemeteries and became seen as protector's of the deceased, like Anubis!
That's really cool!!
That was my grandson. Thank you.
Tell me more.
This dog mummy was probably offered with a message for the god Anubis or Wepwawet.
Anubis was the jackal god who oversaw mummification, guarded burials, and helped to judge the dead. Wepwawet is a guardian of travel, especially during the journey to the afterlife. His name means "Opener of Ways."
Once donated, the ancient Egyptians believed the souls of mummies would travel to the realm of the gods and communicate a message or plea to the deity they were associated with.
Thank you!
