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

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

Blog Article

Mummification is the process by which the tissues of a deceased person can remain intact. This method of keeping bodies intact may happen naturally or be performed through human intervention. Natural mummification happens in certain environments, such as freezing temperatures, acidic bogs, or dry environments. A notable type of intentional mummification originated in Egyptian history, where corpses were wrapped in bandages to preserve their bodies and keep the body for the journey to the afterlife.

Mummies, both human and animal, have been unearthed on every continent, often because of natural preservation or cultural practices. Within Egypt, over one million animal mummies have been discovered, a significant number being cats. The Egyptian mummification techniques was rich in ritual. The brain was removed using a hook through the nasal cavity, and took out most of the body's organs, leaving only the heart. This was because Egyptians believed the heart played a key role in the afterlife rituals. All other organs were placed in canopic jars, which were included in the burial.

In modern times, mummification has taken on a new form in certain BDSM communities. Here, the practice of wrapping the body has become a form of role-play, where one person, playing the role of the "slave," is wrapped tightly by another, the "master." Only the nostrils are left exposed to allow for air. The items used to wrap the body can include duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. Though the activity is still called mummification, its purpose in BDSM is primarily about controlling the body instead of preservation.

**In summary**

Mummification has undergone vast changes from its origins in ancient Egyptian death practices to modern-day practices in alternative lifestyles. Although its original intention was to preserve the body for eternity, today's version focuses on power dynamics. Despite the differences, both forms of mummification reveal a fascination with control, whether controlling life or death or within social relationships.