Mummification: Its Development and Legacy From Ancient Traditions to Contemporary Methods

Mummification: Its Development and Legacy From Ancient Traditions to Contemporary Methods

Blog Article

The art of preserving bodies is the process in which the body of a deceased person can remain intact. This method of keeping bodies intact can happen through natural means or be carried out by humans. Natural mummification happens when exposed to particular environments, such as extreme cold, acidic environments, or arid conditions. One well-known example of intentional mummification comes from ancient Egypt, where the dead were encased in bandages to stop decomposition and preserve the body for the afterlife.

Mummified remains, whether human or animal, have been unearthed all over the globe, often due to natural preservation or intentional rituals. Throughout Egypt, more than a million animal mummies have been discovered, a significant number being cats. The process of Egyptian mummification was very symbolic. They removed the brain through the nose, and took out most of the body's organs, keeping only the heart inside the body. This was because Egyptians believed the heart played a key role in the ceremony in the afterlife. All other organs were put into canopic jars, which were included in the burial.

Today, mummification is being used differently as part of certain BDSM subcultures. Here, the idea of mummifying is part of role-playing scenarios, where one person, known as the "slave," is completely wrapped by another, the "master." Breathing is allowed through exposed nostrils to ensure oxygen flow. The wrapping materials can include duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. Though the activity shares the name, in this case is primarily about controlling the body rather than preserving the body.

**In summary**

Mummification has evolved significantly from its roots in early death rituals to modern-day practices in alternative lifestyles. Although its original intention was to preserve the body for the journey to the next life, the contemporary practice focuses on power dynamics. Though these two forms differ, both forms of mummification reveal a fascination with control, whether it is over death or through interpersonal dynamics.