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

Blog Article

The process of mummification is the process by which the skin and flesh of a deceased person can be preserved. This preservation can happen through natural means or be done intentionally by humans. Natural mummification occurs when exposed to particular environments, such as freezing temperatures, high acidity, or dry climates. One of the most famous forms of intentional mummification comes from ancient Egypt, where the deceased were covered in bandages to stop decomposition and maintain the corpse for the afterlife.

Mummified remains, whether human or animal, have been unearthed in many parts of the world, often resulting from natural preservation or cultural practices. Throughout Egypt, over one million animal mummies have been found, including a large number of cats. The method of mummification in ancient Egypt was highly ceremonial. The brain was removed via the nostrils, and extracted most internal organs, except for the heart. This was due to the belief that the heart was central to the ceremony in the afterlife. The removed organs were put into canopic jars, which were buried with the mummy.

Today, mummification has evolved into a new practice in certain BDSM communities. Here, the practice of wrapping the body has become a form of role-play, where one person, playing the role of the "slave," is bound tightly by another, the "master." The nose is left uncovered for breathing. The wrapping materials range from duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. Although this practice shares the name, in this case is primarily about controlling the body rather than preserving the body.

**In summary**

Mummification has undergone vast changes from its beginning in ancient burial rituals to contemporary practices in subcultures like BDSM. Although its original intention was to preserve the body for the journey to the next life, the contemporary practice is about control and role-play. Despite the differences, both forms of mummification reveal a fascination with control, whether controlling life or death or in controlling others.