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

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

Blog Article

The art of preserving bodies refers to the method through which the body of a dead body can remain intact. This process of preservation can happen through natural means or be done intentionally by humans. Natural mummification occurs in certain environments, such as freezing temperatures, acidic environments, or arid conditions. One well-known example of intentional mummification originated in Egyptian history, where the dead were encased in bandages to prevent decay and maintain the corpse for the next world.

Mummified remains, including humans and animals, have been unearthed all over the globe, often resulting from natural preservation or cultural practices. In Egypt, in excess of a million mummified animals have been discovered, including a large number of cats. The method of mummification in ancient Egypt was rich in ritual. The brain was removed through the nose, and extracted most internal organs, leaving only the heart. This was due to the belief that the heart played a key role in the "Weighing of the Heart" ceremony. The removed organs were placed in canopic jars, which were buried with the mummy.

Today, mummification has taken on a new form in certain BDSM practices. Here, the idea of mummifying is used in a role-playing context, where one person, referred to as the "slave," is completely wrapped by another, the "master." Only the nostrils are left exposed to allow for air. The materials used for this wrapping can include duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. While the practice retains the term 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 roots in ancient Egyptian death practices to present-day practices in subcultures like BDSM. While the traditional purpose focused on preserving 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 it is over death or within social relationships.