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

The process of mummification is the process in which the body of a corpse can be preserved. This preservation may happen naturally or be carried out by humans. Natural mummification happens in certain environments, such as freezing temperatures, acidic environments, or dry environments. A notable type of intentional mummification comes from Egyptian history, where the deceased were encased in bandages to stop decomposition and maintain the corpse for the journey to the afterlife.

Mummies, both human and animal, have been discovered on every continent, often due to natural preservation or cultural practices. Throughout Egypt, in excess of a million mummified animals have been uncovered, many of them cats. The process of Egyptian mummification was very symbolic. The brain was removed using a hook through the nasal cavity, and took out most of the body's organs, keeping only the heart inside the body. This was because Egyptians believed the heart was central to the ceremony in the afterlife. The removed organs were stored in canopic jars, which were laid to rest with the body.

Today, mummification is being used differently as part of certain BDSM practices. Here, the concept of mummification is part of role-playing scenarios, where one person, referred to as the "slave," is wrapped tightly by another, the "master." The nose is left uncovered to allow for air. The materials used for this wrapping can include duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. Though the activity is still called mummification, in the BDSM context is primarily about controlling the body and not about preserving the body.

**To conclude**

Mummification has evolved significantly from its origins in early death rituals to contemporary practices in subcultures like BDSM. While the traditional purpose was about preserving the body for the journey to the next life, today's version is about control and role-play. Even though they are different, both forms of mummification demonstrate a shared human interest in mastery, whether over death or in controlling others.