The Art and Evolution of Mummification From Ancient Traditions to Contemporary Methods

The Art and Evolution of Mummification From Ancient Traditions to Contemporary Methods

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The art of preserving bodies refers to the method through which the body of a dead body are preserved. This method of keeping bodies intact may happen naturally or be done intentionally by humans. Natural mummification happens when exposed to particular environments, such as freezing temperatures, acidic environments, or arid conditions. One well-known example of intentional mummification is from Egyptian history, where corpses were wrapped in bandages to prevent decay and keep the body for the journey to the afterlife.

Mummies, including humans and animals, have been discovered all over the globe, often due to natural preservation or intentional rituals. In Egypt, more than a million animal mummies have been discovered, including a large number of cats. The Egyptian mummification techniques was rich in ritual. They removed the brain via the nostrils, and removed all major internal 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 laid to rest with the body.

In contemporary practices, mummification has taken on a new form within certain BDSM practices. Here, the practice of wrapping the body is part of role-playing scenarios, where one person, referred to as the "slave," is wrapped tightly by another, the "master." Only the nostrils are left exposed to ensure oxygen flow. The wrapping materials can include duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. Though the activity is still called mummification, its purpose in BDSM centers around controlling the body instead of preservation.

**Conclusion**

Mummification has undergone vast changes from its origins in early death rituals to contemporary practices in subcultures like BDSM. Although its original intention was to preserve the body for the journey to the next life, today's version focuses on power dynamics. Though these two forms differ, both forms of mummification reveal a fascination with control, whether controlling life or death or in controlling others.