The History and Transformation of Mummification From Ancient Egypt to Modern Practices

The History and Transformation of Mummification From Ancient Egypt to Modern Practices

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The art of preserving bodies is the process through which the tissues of a deceased person can be preserved. This preservation can happen through natural means or be performed through human intervention. Natural mummification occurs in certain environments, such as freezing temperatures, high acidity, or dry climates. A notable type of intentional mummification originated in Egyptian civilization, where the deceased were covered in bandages to preserve their bodies and maintain the corpse for the afterlife.

Mummified remains, whether human or animal, have been unearthed on every continent, often due to natural preservation or cultural practices. In Egypt, more than a million animal mummies have been discovered, a significant number being cats. The Egyptian mummification techniques was rich in ritual. Egyptians would extract the brain through the nose, 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 buried with the mummy.

In modern times, mummification is being used differently in certain BDSM subcultures. 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 for breathing. The wrapping materials vary from duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. Although this practice shares the name, its purpose in BDSM centers around domination and restraint rather than maintaining the body's condition.

**To conclude**

Mummification has evolved significantly from its origins in ancient Egyptian death practices to present-day practices in subcultures like BDSM. Though its ancient goal was to preserve the body for the afterlife, the modern interpretation is about control and role-play. Despite the differences, both forms of mummification reveal a fascination with control, whether it is over death or in controlling others.