1. Quarrying and Cutting:
- Quarries were Identified where suitable blocks of stone could be found.
- Stone tools such as chisels, hammers, and wedges were used to extract the massive stone blocks from the quarry.
- After extraction, the stone blocks were transported to a workshop or the construction site.
2. Dressing and Shaping:
- Skilled craftsmen used copper or bronze chisels, saws, and abrasives like sand and water to shape the stone blocks.
- The chisels were used to remove excess stone and refine the shape.
- For finer details, such as carving hieroglyphics or decorative patterns, specialized chisels and scribes were used.
3. Hollowing and Smoothing:
- To hollow out the interior of the sarcophagus, a technique known as "core drilling" was employed.
- This involved drilling a series of holes and then using chisels to remove the stone between the holes, creating the hollow space for the body.
- Abrasive materials like sand and water were used to smooth the interior surfaces and remove any imperfections.
4. Carving and decoration:
- When creating intricately designed or elaborately carved sarcophagi, the artist used chisels and possibly small hammers to create reliefs, hieroglyphics, and decorative elements.
- Sculptors meticulously crafted the details and features of the sarcophagus design.
5. Joining and Assembly:
- In cases where the sarcophagus was composed of several pieces, such as a separate lid and base, the joint surfaces were carefully polished and fitted together.
- Dovetail joints, mortise-and-tenon joints, or other techniques were used to secure the sections together.
6. Polishing and Finishing:
- After the overall shape, carvings, and decorations were complete, the sarcophagus was polished to achieve a smooth and lustrous surface.
- Abrasives like sand, water, or pumice were used for polishing.
7. Transportation:
- Once finished, the sarcophagus was transported to its final resting place, usually a tomb or burial chamber within a pyramid or other funerary structure.
- Ramps, sledges, and manpower were used to move these heavy stone objects to their designated location.
It's important to note that the specific tools, techniques, and materials used could vary based on the period of ancient Egypt (e.g., Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, New Kingdom), the resources available, and the desired craftsmanship of the sarcophagus.