Predynastic Burial

Before the unification of Egypt, the dead were buried in shallow pits in the desert, lying on their side in a contracted position with their heads usually to the south and facing west. The hot, dry sand could preserve the body naturally, long before artificial mummification was developed.

Grave goods such as pottery vessels, stone palettes for grinding cosmetics and personal ornaments were placed around the body, showing that a belief in life after death existed from Egypt's earliest periods.