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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The process of mummification describes how by which the tissues of a corpse can be preserved. This method of keeping bodies intact can occur naturally or be performed through human intervention. Bodies are naturally preserved in certain environments, such as glacial climates, acidic bogs, or dry environments. One well-known example of intentional mummification is from Egyptian civilization, where the dead were wrapped in bandages to preserve their bodies and maintain the corpse for the afterlife.

Mummified remains, whether human or animal, have been discovered on every continent, often due to natural preservation or cultural practices. Throughout Egypt, more than a million animal mummies have been discovered, many of them cats. The process of Egyptian mummification was highly ceremonial. Egyptians would extract the brain through the nose, and removed all major internal organs, leaving only the heart. 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 contemporary practices, mummification is being used differently in certain BDSM practices. 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." Breathing is allowed through exposed nostrils to ensure oxygen flow. The materials used for this wrapping can include duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. Though the activity shares the name, in this case is primarily about domination and restraint instead of preserving the body.

**In summary**

Mummification has transformed from its beginning in early death rituals to present-day practices in subcultures like BDSM. Although its original intention was about preserving the body for eternity, today's version is about control and role-play. Even though they are different, both forms of mummification reflect a deep human interest in control, whether over death or within social relationships.