Mummification: Its Development and Legacy From Historical Rituals to Modern-Day Practices

Wiki Article

The process of mummification refers to the method through which the body of a dead body can be preserved. This method of keeping bodies intact can occur naturally or be carried out by humans. Bodies are naturally preserved under specific conditions, such as extreme cold, high acidity, or dry environments. One well-known example of intentional mummification is from ancient Egypt, where the deceased were encased in bandages to stop decomposition and keep the body for the afterlife.

Mummies, including humans and animals, have been unearthed all over the globe, often resulting from natural preservation or cultural practices. Throughout Egypt, in excess of a million mummified animals have been found, including a large number of cats. The Egyptian mummification techniques was rich in ritual. They removed the brain through the nose, 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. The removed organs were placed in canopic jars, which were included in the burial.

Today, mummification has evolved into a new practice in certain BDSM subcultures. Here, the concept of mummification is part of role-playing scenarios, where one person, known as the "slave," is completely wrapped by another, the "master." Only the nostrils are left exposed to allow for air. The wrapping materials can include duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. While the practice retains the term mummification, in the BDSM context centers around domination and restraint rather than maintaining the body's condition.

**In summary**

Mummification has undergone vast changes from its roots in early death rituals to modern-day practices in alternative lifestyles. While the traditional purpose focused on preserving the body for eternity, today's version centers on role-playing. Even though they are different, both forms of mummification reflect a deep human interest in control, whether over death or within social relationships.