Mummification: Its Development and Legacy From Ancient Egypt to Modern Practices

Mummification: Its Development and Legacy From Ancient Egypt to Modern Practices

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The art of preserving bodies is the process in which the skin and flesh of a dead body are preserved. This process of preservation can occur naturally or be performed through human intervention. Natural mummification happens in certain environments, such as freezing temperatures, high acidity, or dry environments. One well-known example of intentional mummification is from ancient Egypt, where the dead were covered in bandages to stop decomposition and preserve the body for the afterlife.

Mummified remains, whether human or animal, have been discovered all over the globe, often due to natural preservation or cultural practices. Within Egypt, more than a million animal mummies have been discovered, a significant number being cats. The method of mummification in ancient Egypt was very symbolic. The brain was removed through the nose, and took out most of the body's organs, leaving only the heart. This was because Egyptians believed the heart was crucial for the "Weighing of the Heart" ceremony. All other organs were put into canopic jars, which were included in the burial.

Today, mummification has taken on a new form within certain BDSM communities. Here, the idea of mummifying has become a form of role-play, where one person, known as the "slave," is wrapped tightly by another, the "master." Only the nostrils are left exposed to allow for air. The items used to wrap the body can include duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. Though the activity is still called mummification, in the BDSM context is focused on domination and restraint instead of preserving the body.

**To conclude**

Mummification has evolved significantly from its origins in ancient burial rituals to modern-day practices in subcultures like BDSM. Although its original intention was about preserving 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 over death or through interpersonal dynamics.