The History and Transformation of Mummification From Historical Rituals to Modern-Day Practices

The History and Transformation of Mummification From Historical Rituals to Modern-Day Practices

Blog Article

The process of mummification describes how through which the skin and flesh of a deceased person can be preserved. This method of keeping bodies intact may happen naturally or be done intentionally by humans. Bodies are naturally preserved when exposed to particular environments, such as freezing temperatures, acidic environments, or arid conditions. One of the most famous forms of intentional mummification comes from Egyptian history, where corpses were encased in bandages to prevent decay and keep the body for the journey to the afterlife.

Mummies, both human and animal, have been unearthed in many parts of the world, often resulting from natural preservation or intentional rituals. In 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 due to the belief that the heart was central to the afterlife rituals. All other organs were put into canopic jars, which were buried with the mummy.

Today, mummification is being used differently within certain BDSM practices. Here, the idea of mummifying has become a form of role-play, where one person, playing the role of 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 vary from duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. While the practice retains the term mummification, in this case centers around 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 about preserving the body for eternity, today's version centers on role-playing. Despite the differences, both forms of mummification reveal a fascination with control, whether it is over death or through interpersonal dynamics.