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

Mummification 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 carried out by humans. Bodies are naturally preserved under specific conditions, such as glacial climates, acidic bogs, or arid conditions. One well-known example of intentional mummification comes from Egyptian history, where corpses were encased in bandages to prevent decay and keep the body for the journey to the afterlife.

Mummies, including humans and animals, have been found on every continent, often due to natural preservation or cultural practices. Throughout Egypt, over one million animal mummies have been found, a significant number being cats. The process of Egyptian mummification was rich in ritual. 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 was central to the "Weighing of the Heart" ceremony. The other organs were stored in canopic jars, which were buried with the mummy.

In modern times, mummification is being used differently as part of certain BDSM communities. Here, the idea of mummifying is used in a role-playing context, 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 vary from duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. Though the activity retains the term mummification, in the BDSM context centers around domination and restraint and not about preservation.

**To conclude**

Mummification has evolved significantly from its roots in early death rituals to modern-day practices in alternative lifestyles. Although its original intention was about preserving the body for the afterlife, the contemporary practice is about control and role-play. Despite the differences, both forms of mummification demonstrate a shared human interest in mastery, whether controlling life or death or in controlling others.