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

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

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The process of mummification is the process by which the body of a deceased person can remain intact. This method of keeping bodies intact may happen naturally or be done intentionally by humans. Natural mummification happens under specific conditions, such as glacial climates, high acidity, or dry environments. One of the most famous forms of intentional mummification originated in Egyptian history, where the dead were covered in bandages to preserve their bodies and maintain the corpse for the afterlife.

Mummified remains, whether human or animal, have been unearthed in many parts of the world, often due to natural preservation or ritualistic preservation. Within Egypt, in excess of a million mummified animals have been found, many of them cats. The method of mummification in ancient Egypt was rich in ritual. 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 played a key role in the "Weighing of the Heart" ceremony. All other organs were placed in canopic jars, which were laid to rest with the body.

In modern times, mummification is being used differently in certain BDSM subcultures. Here, the practice of wrapping the body is used in a role-playing context, where one person, playing the role of the "slave," is wrapped tightly by another, the "master." Breathing is allowed through exposed nostrils for breathing. The items used to wrap the body range from duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. Although this practice shares the name, in the BDSM context centers around restraint and control rather than preserving the body.

**To conclude**

Mummification has transformed from its beginning in ancient Egyptian death practices to present-day practices within BDSM subcultures. While the traditional purpose was to preserve the body for the afterlife, today's version focuses on power dynamics. Even though they are different, both forms of mummification demonstrate a shared human interest in mastery, whether controlling life or death or within social relationships.