Opening of the mouth ceremony

Spiritual purpose and trials

Ancient Egyptians believed that reaching the afterlife required traversing the duat, a realm filled with dangerous traps and creatures. Although spells written on coffins provided guidance, spirits still needed functioning faculties to navigate safely. Restoring speech, sight, hearing, and breath allowed the deceased to recite protective formulas and declare their innocence before deities. Receiving food and drink was equally crucial. Symbolic offerings of milk, water, and saltwater were presented at the entrance to the underworld, echoing the first nourishment given to newborn infants.

Sacred tools of rebirth

Priests used specific objects to carry out the ritual actions. A forked blade known as the peseshkef, made of stone, glass, or obsidian, originally cut umbilical cords during childbirth and represented spiritual rebirth. A ceremonial adze touched the eyes and mouth to awaken the senses. In the Old Kingdom, priests also used the severed leg of a calf to touch the body or painted coffin, believed to free the individual's ba spirit to unite with their ka. Burning incense purified the space and pleased the gods.

The ritual sequence

The rite began with bodily purification using natron salt, followed by applying aromatic oils associated with the saliva of Horus. A priest wearing a jackal mask to represent Anubis kept the mummy upright. Outside the tomb, an elder Sem priest enacted a ceremonial swoon before being revived by fellow priests. After changing vestments, the Sem priest approached the deceased, using tools like the adze to touch the face while reciting spells. The ritual concluded with grain offerings, linen wrapping, and a communal meal for mourners.

How Opening of the mouth ceremony is kept

Priests first cleansed the upright mummy or statue with natron and sacred perfumes. A Sem priest and an attendant wearing an Anubis jackal mask led the proceedings at the tomb entrance. The priest touched the mouth, eyes, and limbs using tools such as the peseshkef blade and ceremonial adze, chanting spells to restore each physical faculty. After presenting meat, grain, and drink offerings, the deceased was wrapped in linen, and mourners concluded the service with a funerary meal.

When and where

The ceremony took place before burial, after the mummification of the deceased was finished. Historical records show the custom was observed from the Old Kingdom through to the Roman Period.

The ritual was observed across ancient Egypt. Priests performed it outside tomb entrances, inside burial chambers, and within workshops to consecrate mummies, ushabti figures, statues, and temples.

What Opening of the mouth ceremony means

The rite closely connected death with birth and new beginnings. Using birthing tools like the peseshkef, butchering meat, and offering milk mirrored the physical arrival of an infant. Touching the face symbolically awakened the senses, enabling the mobile ba and the life force ka to merge into an enduring spiritual entity known as the akh.

Questions people ask about Opening of the mouth ceremony

See also

BurialPlacing the dead in the ground or a structure to honor them and guide their journey.Ancient Egyptian funerary practicesRites for the dead in ancient Egypt: preserving the body, spells and grave goodsMawlidAn annual festival marking the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, marked by poetry, processions and feasts.Traditional tattooingThe ancient custom of marking the skin for protection, healing, status and sacred rites

Good reading and sources

• Opening of the mouth ceremony on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-06.