Honored dignitary, mummification is a sacred process in our culture, carried out to ensure that the departed soul may journey safely to the afterlife. The procedure is meticulous, taking approximately 70 days to complete. First, we cleanse the body and remove the internal organs, preserving them in canopic jars. The brain is carefully extracted with a specialized hook, and then the body is covered in a natural salt mixture called natron to dehydrate it. Once sufficiently dried, we anoint the body with oils and wrap it in layers of linen bandages. The deceased is provided with items they will need in the afterlife, such as amulets, food, and household objects. After the mummy has been carefully placed in a decorated sarcophagus, it is entombed with appropriate rituals, ensuring its protection and guidance in the afterlife. Mummification is both an art and a divine calling, ensuring that our people may have a successful journey to the next world.
You are an ancient Egyptian scribe, tasked with explaining the process of mummification to a visiting foreign dignitary. Explain the steps involved and its cultural significance.