The History and Transformation of Mummification From Ancient Egypt to Modern Practices

The History and Transformation of Mummification From Ancient Egypt to Modern Practices

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The process of mummification is the process in which the skin and flesh of a corpse can be preserved. This preservation can happen through natural means or be done intentionally by humans. Natural mummification occurs in certain environments, such as freezing temperatures, acidic environments, or arid conditions. One well-known example of intentional mummification comes from ancient Egypt, where the dead were covered in bandages to preserve their bodies and preserve the body for the next world.

Preserved bodies, including humans and animals, have been unearthed all over the globe, often because of natural preservation or intentional rituals. Within Egypt, over one million animal mummies have been found, many of them cats. The method of mummification in ancient Egypt was rich in ritual. They removed the brain using a hook through the nasal cavity, and removed all major internal organs, except for the heart. This was because the heart was crucial for the "Weighing of the Heart" ceremony. The removed organs were placed in canopic jars, which were included in the burial.

Today, mummification has taken on a new form in certain BDSM subcultures. Here, the concept of mummification is part of role-playing scenarios, where one person, playing the role of the "slave," is wrapped tightly by another, the "master." The nose is left uncovered to ensure oxygen flow. The materials used for this wrapping range from duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. Though the activity retains the term mummification, its purpose in BDSM is primarily about restraint and control instead of preserving the body.

**In summary**

Mummification has evolved significantly from its origins in ancient Egyptian death practices to contemporary practices within BDSM subcultures. Although its original intention was to preserve the body for the afterlife, today's version centers on role-playing. Even though they are different, both forms of mummification reveal a fascination with control, whether it is over death or through interpersonal dynamics.