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 describes how by which the tissues of a dead body are preserved. This method of keeping bodies intact can occur naturally or be performed through human intervention. Bodies are naturally preserved under specific conditions, such as extreme cold, acidic bogs, or dry environments. A notable type of intentional mummification originated in Egyptian civilization, where the deceased were encased in bandages to stop decomposition and preserve the body for the journey to the afterlife.

Mummies, including humans and animals, have been found in many parts of the world, often because of natural preservation or ritualistic preservation. Throughout Egypt, over one million animal mummies have been found, a significant number being cats. The Egyptian mummification techniques was highly ceremonial. They removed the brain 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 "Weighing of the Heart" ceremony. The removed organs were put into canopic jars, which were buried with the mummy.

In modern times, mummification has taken on a new form in certain BDSM communities. Here, the idea of mummifying is part of role-playing scenarios, where one person, known as the "slave," is wrapped tightly by another, the "master." Only the nostrils are left exposed to ensure oxygen flow. The items used to wrap the body range from duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. Although this practice is still called mummification, its purpose in BDSM centers around domination and restraint rather than preserving the body.

**In summary**

Mummification has undergone vast changes from its beginning in ancient Egyptian death practices to contemporary practices in subcultures like BDSM. Though its ancient goal was about preserving the body for the journey to the next life, the contemporary practice centers on role-playing. Even though they are different, both forms of mummification reflect a deep human interest in control, whether it is over death or through interpersonal dynamics.