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

Wiki Article

The art of preserving bodies describes how by which the tissues of a deceased person can remain intact. This process of preservation may happen naturally or be carried out by humans. Natural mummification happens in certain environments, such as freezing temperatures, acidic environments, or arid conditions. One well-known example of intentional mummification originated in Egyptian history, where corpses were encased in bandages to stop decomposition and preserve the body for the afterlife.

Mummies, both human and animal, have been unearthed in many parts of the world, often due to natural preservation or ritualistic preservation. In Egypt, more than a million animal mummies have been found, including a large number of cats. The method of mummification in ancient Egypt was rich in ritual. They removed the brain using a hook through the nasal cavity, and took out most of the body's organs, keeping only the heart inside the body. This was due to the belief that the heart was central to the afterlife rituals. All other organs were stored in canopic jars, which were included in the burial.

In modern times, mummification has evolved into a new practice as part of certain BDSM communities. Here, the idea of mummifying has become a form of role-play, where one person, referred to as the "slave," is bound tightly by another, the "master." Breathing is allowed through exposed nostrils to allow for air. The items used to wrap the body vary from duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. Though the activity shares the name, its purpose in BDSM is primarily about domination and restraint instead of preserving the body.

**In summary**

Mummification has evolved significantly from its beginning in ancient burial rituals to contemporary practices within BDSM subcultures. Although its original intention focused on preserving the body for the journey to the next life, the modern interpretation is about control and role-play. Though these two forms differ, both forms of mummification demonstrate a shared human interest in mastery, whether controlling life or death or in controlling others.