The History and Transformation of Mummification From Historical Rituals to Modern-Day Practices

The History and Transformation of Mummification From Historical Rituals to Modern-Day Practices

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The art of preserving bodies refers to the method in which the tissues of a dead body can remain intact. This preservation can occur naturally or be carried out by humans. Bodies are naturally preserved when exposed to particular environments, such as glacial climates, acidic environments, or arid conditions. One of the most famous forms of intentional mummification originated in Egyptian history, where corpses were wrapped in bandages to preserve their bodies and maintain the corpse for the afterlife.

Mummies, including humans and animals, have been found on every continent, often due to natural preservation or cultural practices. Throughout Egypt, over one million animal mummies have been uncovered, including a large number of cats. The method of mummification in ancient Egypt was very symbolic. The brain was removed using a hook through the nasal cavity, and extracted most internal organs, except for the heart. This was due to the belief that the heart was central to the ceremony in the afterlife. All other organs were put into canopic jars, which were buried with the mummy.

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 completely wrapped by another, the "master." Only the nostrils are left exposed for breathing. The materials used for this wrapping range from duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. While the practice shares the name, in this case centers around controlling the body instead of preserving the body.

**To conclude**

Mummification has evolved significantly from its origins in early death rituals to present-day practices in alternative lifestyles. Though its ancient goal was to preserve the body for eternity, the contemporary practice focuses on power dynamics. Despite the differences, both forms of mummification reflect a deep human interest in control, whether controlling life or death or through interpersonal dynamics.