The Art and Evolution of Mummification From Ancient Egypt to Modern Practices

The Art and Evolution of Mummification From Ancient Egypt to Modern Practices

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Mummification describes how through which the tissues of a deceased person can remain intact. This preservation can occur naturally or be done intentionally by humans. Bodies are naturally preserved when exposed to particular environments, such as extreme cold, acidic environments, or arid conditions. One of the most famous forms of intentional mummification is from ancient Egypt, where the dead were encased in bandages to stop decomposition and keep the body for the afterlife.

Mummies, whether human or animal, have been found all over the globe, often due to natural preservation or intentional rituals. Throughout Egypt, in excess of a million mummified animals have been discovered, including a large number of cats. The process of Egyptian mummification was highly ceremonial. Egyptians would extract the brain via the nostrils, and took out most of the body's organs, except for the heart. This was because Egyptians believed the heart played a key role in the ceremony in the afterlife. All other organs were stored in canopic jars, which were included in the burial.

Today, mummification has evolved into a new practice as part of certain BDSM communities. Here, the concept of mummification has become a form of role-play, where one person, referred to as the "slave," is completely wrapped by another, the "master." The nose is left uncovered to ensure oxygen flow. The items used to wrap the body range from duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. Although this practice shares the name, in the BDSM context centers around restraint and control instead of maintaining the body's condition.

**Conclusion**

Mummification has undergone vast changes from its beginning in ancient burial rituals to contemporary practices within BDSM subcultures. While the traditional purpose was to preserve the body for the journey to the next life, the contemporary practice centers on role-playing. Despite the differences, both forms of mummification demonstrate a shared human interest in mastery, whether controlling life or death or in controlling others.