Mummification: Its Development and Legacy From Ancient Traditions to Contemporary Methods

Mummification: Its Development and Legacy From Ancient Traditions to Contemporary Methods

Blog Article

The process of mummification is the process in which the tissues of a corpse can be preserved. This method of keeping bodies intact may happen naturally or be carried out by humans. Bodies are naturally preserved when exposed to particular environments, such as glacial climates, acidic bogs, or arid conditions. One well-known example of intentional mummification comes from Egyptian history, where corpses were wrapped in bandages to prevent decay and keep the body for the afterlife.

Preserved bodies, whether human or animal, have been unearthed on every continent, often due to natural preservation or intentional rituals. In Egypt, over one million animal mummies have been discovered, a significant number being cats. The process of Egyptian mummification was rich in ritual. Egyptians would extract the brain through the nose, 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 played a key role in the afterlife rituals. All other organs were placed in canopic jars, which were buried with the mummy.

In modern times, mummification is being used differently in certain BDSM communities. Here, the concept of mummification is part of role-playing scenarios, where one person, referred to as the "slave," is wrapped tightly by another, the "master." Breathing is allowed through exposed nostrils to allow for air. The materials used for this wrapping can include duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. Although this practice is still called mummification, in this case is focused on restraint and control and not about preserving the body.

**In summary**

Mummification has evolved significantly from its roots in early death rituals to modern-day practices within BDSM subcultures. Though its ancient goal was about preserving the body for the afterlife, the modern interpretation is about control and role-play. Though these two forms differ, both forms of mummification reflect a deep human interest in control, whether over death or within social relationships.