The Art and Evolution of Mummification From Ancient Egypt to Modern Practices

The Art and Evolution of Mummification From Ancient Egypt to Modern Practices

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The process of mummification is the process by which the body of a dead body are preserved. This process of preservation can happen through natural means or be performed through human intervention. Natural mummification occurs when exposed to particular environments, such as glacial climates, acidic environments, or dry climates. One of the most famous forms of intentional mummification comes from Egyptian history, where the deceased were encased in bandages to stop decomposition and preserve the body for the next world.

Preserved bodies, whether human or animal, have been discovered on every continent, often due to natural preservation or intentional rituals. Within Egypt, in excess of a million mummified animals have been uncovered, including a large number of cats. The method of mummification in ancient Egypt was highly ceremonial. Egyptians would extract the brain through the nose, and took out most of the body's organs, keeping only the heart inside the body. This was because the heart played a key role in the afterlife rituals. The other organs were stored in canopic jars, which were laid to rest with the body.

Today, mummification is being used differently as part of certain BDSM subcultures. Here, the practice of wrapping the body is used in a role-playing context, where one person, playing the role of the "slave," is completely wrapped by another, the "master." Only the nostrils are left exposed for breathing. The materials used for this wrapping vary from duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. Although this practice retains the term mummification, in the BDSM context is primarily about restraint and control and not about maintaining the body's condition.

**To conclude**

Mummification has evolved significantly from its beginning in early death rituals to contemporary practices in subcultures like BDSM. While the traditional purpose was about preserving the body for eternity, the modern interpretation is about control and role-play. Despite the differences, both forms of mummification reflect a deep human interest in control, whether controlling life or death or within social relationships.