In the Early Dynastic period, mummification became more complex. The mummy of a woman from the Second Dynasty was found on her side in the fetal position, dried with natron salt or a similar preservative, then wrapped in linens, with each limb wrapped separately. These linens would have been soaked in a type of resin, which would harden and preserve the shape of the body, then covered in a layer of plaster. Typically, mummies from this period were dressed in clothes and jewelry that were once worn by the deceased. In some cases, their faces would be covered with a clay mask.

The use of amulets, or small magical tokens, began in this period. Believed to be charged with spells of protection, these amulets would be tucked into the mummy’s wrappings or set on top to ward off evil in the afterlife.

Unfortunately, due to their age and to the carelessness of historic tomb raiders, mummies from this period are rare. The mummified arm of the pharaoh Djer – or possibly of his wife – was the only piece of him found in 1900, only to be discarded by a museum curator who was more interested in keeping the jewelry.