How to Make Mummy Projects
Every aspect of life in Ancient Egypt revolved around religion. Their king was also considered a god, the spirits of their ancestors were invited back into their homes during religious holidays, and when a person died, it was believed that their soul was judged based on their actions in life. To aid in this process, the remains of ancient Egyptians were mummified. Therefore, teaching children about the belief in mummification will help broaden their understanding of the ancient Egyptian culture. One easy way to do this is to help children make their own mummies.
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Things You'll Need
- Flour
- Water
- Bowl
- Gauze bandages
- Scissors
- Child's fashion doll
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrushes
- Shoebox
Instructions
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1
Mix one part flour and two parts water in a bowl to make papier-mâché paste. The paste should be the consistency of glue.
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2
Cut gauze bandages into smaller strips.
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3
Coat bandage strips in paste and wind them around the fashion doll. Smooth out bandages and paste as you go. When the doll resembles a bandaged mummy, set it aside to dry.
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4
Decorate the shoebox to resemble a mummy's coffin or sarcophagus. This may include painting the entire box gold, painting the lid to look like the mummy (including an Egyptian headdress and beard, crossed arms, a vulture and a crook and flail,) or with Egyptian hieroglyphics.
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5
When the mummy has dried, place it inside the shoebox sarcophagus. Since the ancient Egyptians believed that mummies could take items of value, servants, and food with them to the afterlife, you can encourage your students to suggest things that they think should be included in the mummy's sarcophagus.
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Tips & Warnings
Your children won't be able to play with the fashion doll after it has been mummified. When choosing a fashion doll, try to find one that the child won't mind losing. Mummification of the doll is easier if you first remove the doll's hair and clothing. A jointed doll may be posed more realistically, with arms crossed over the chest. These instructions may be followed either by you or by the students that you are teaching.
Acrylic paints are permanent paints. Use care when decorating your shoebox sarcophagus with them. Cover all surfaces with newspaper to prevent drips and spills. Also, wear a painter's smock to protect your own clothing.
