The Art and Evolution of Mummification From Historical Rituals to Modern-Day Practices

The Art and Evolution of Mummification From Historical Rituals to Modern-Day Practices

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Mummification is the process in which the body of a corpse can remain intact. This process of preservation can occur naturally or be carried out by humans. Natural mummification occurs when exposed to particular environments, such as freezing temperatures, acidic bogs, or dry climates. One well-known example of intentional mummification originated in ancient Egypt, where the dead were encased in bandages to preserve their bodies and preserve the body for the afterlife.

Preserved bodies, whether human or animal, have been unearthed on every continent, often resulting from natural preservation or cultural practices. In Egypt, over one million animal mummies have been uncovered, a significant number being cats. The Egyptian mummification techniques was very symbolic. Egyptians would extract the brain via the nostrils, and took out most of the body's organs, except for the heart. This was because Egyptians believed the heart was central to the "Weighing of the Heart" ceremony. All other organs were stored in canopic jars, which were included in the burial.

Today, mummification has taken on a new form as part of certain BDSM communities. Here, the concept of mummification has become a form of role-play, where one person, known as the "slave," is completely wrapped by another, the "master." Breathing is allowed through exposed nostrils to allow for air. The materials used for this wrapping can include duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. Although this practice is still called mummification, in this case is primarily about domination and restraint instead of maintaining the body's condition.

**Conclusion**

Mummification has undergone vast changes from its beginning in ancient burial rituals to modern-day practices in alternative lifestyles. Although its original intention was to preserve the body for the afterlife, the modern interpretation focuses on power dynamics. Even though they are different, both forms of mummification demonstrate a shared human interest in mastery, whether over death or within social relationships.