The History and Transformation of Mummification From Ancient Traditions to Contemporary Methods

The History and Transformation of Mummification From Ancient Traditions to Contemporary Methods

Blog Article

The art of preserving bodies is the process in which the body of a corpse can remain intact. This method of keeping bodies intact may happen naturally or be performed through human intervention. Natural mummification happens under specific conditions, such as freezing temperatures, high acidity, or arid conditions. One of the most famous forms of intentional mummification comes from Egyptian civilization, where corpses were wrapped in bandages to prevent decay and maintain the corpse for the next world.

Mummified remains, both human and animal, have been discovered all over the globe, often because of natural preservation or cultural practices. Throughout Egypt, in excess of a million mummified animals have been discovered, including a large number of cats. The method of mummification in ancient Egypt was very symbolic. The brain was removed via the nostrils, and removed all major internal organs, leaving only the heart. This was because Egyptians believed the heart played a key role in the afterlife rituals. The other organs were put into canopic jars, which were laid to rest with the body.

In contemporary practices, mummification is being used differently in certain BDSM communities. Here, the concept of mummification is used in a role-playing context, where one person, known as the "slave," is bound tightly by another, the "master." The nose is left uncovered to allow for air. The wrapping materials vary from duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. Although this practice retains the term mummification, in this case centers around controlling the body rather than preserving the body.

**In summary**

Mummification has undergone vast changes from its beginning in ancient Egyptian death practices to present-day practices in subcultures like BDSM. Although its original intention was to preserve the body for the journey to the next life, the modern interpretation centers on role-playing. Despite the differences, both forms of mummification reflect a deep human interest in control, whether it is over death or in controlling others.