Ib ( jb ) is the ancient Egyptian heart, the center of intelligence and existence in a body. It's also called qaib or qa-ib referring to the ka, qa or life essence. In embalming and mummification practices, the heart is the only organ not removed from the corpse.
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There are eight components of the soul. The center of intelligence, the heart plays a crucial role in the Egyptian afterlife. Mummy wrappings often contain heart amulets, or truth charms placed over the heart of the dead person. The heart carries deeds of the deceased.
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The heart is embalmed with the body. Ingredients of embalming fluids vary over years and regions. They're made from animal fats, beeswax, pistachio resin, bitumen and plant oils. Other favorites include myrrh and cinnamon. Embalmers use natron to dry out the body.
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An embalming mix called antiu discovered at Saqqara is made of cedar oil, juniper / cypress oil, and animal fats. Pistachio resin and castor oil are used to treat the head of the deceased after the brain, considered stuffing, is removed through the nasal cavity.
A few non-native plants appear. Resin of the African elemi tree (Canarium schweinfurthii) is imported from the regions south of Egypt. Dammar gum comes from Dipterocarpaceae in India and Southeast Asia.
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Keeping the heart and body (khet) as well preserved as possible ensures ample freedom of movement for the other parts of the soul such as the ka and ba, who use the body as a home base.
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When a person dies and enters the first stage of the afterlife, duat, Anubis the jackal-headed god weighs the heart against a feather of Goddess Ma'at (Maat). She can be represented by a winged woman with the feather in her headband.
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Ma'at is both a goddess and set of divine principles relating to justice, wisdom and truth. A balance or scales with woman's head can represent her.
Upon weighing, if the heart is lighter than the feather, the deceased may continue toward the ultimate goal of Aaru, Egyptian paradise. If the heart is heavier than the feather of Ma'at, the ravenous hybrid demon Ammit gobbles it up.
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The heartless person is then doomed to wander the eternal wastelands of duat, as a restless spirit in torment. At some point, the deceased may receive a chance at redemption, but nobody knows for sure.
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