The Art and Evolution of Mummification From Ancient Traditions to Contemporary Methods
The art of preserving bodies refers to the method through which the tissues of a dead body can remain intact. This process of preservation may happen naturally or be done intentionally by humans. Natural mummification happens in certain environments, such as extreme cold, acidic environments, or dry climates. A notable type of intentional mummification originated in Egyptian history, where the dead were covered in bandages to prevent decay and keep the body for the next world.Mummified remains, both human and animal, have been discovered all over the globe, often due to natural preservation or ritualistic preservation. In Egypt, over one million animal mummies have been uncovered, many of them cats. The Egyptian mummification techniques was highly ceremonial. 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 because the heart was central to the afterlife rituals. The removed organs were placed in canopic jars, which were buried with the mummy.
In modern times, mummification has taken on a new form within 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 can include duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. Though the activity shares the name, in the BDSM context is focused on domination and restraint instead of preserving the body.
**Conclusion**
Mummification has evolved significantly from its beginning in ancient Egyptian death practices to present-day practices within BDSM subcultures. Though its ancient goal focused on preserving the body for eternity, the modern interpretation centers on role-playing. Even though they are different, both forms of mummification reveal a fascination with control, whether over death or within social relationships.