The History and Transformation of Mummification From Ancient Traditions to Contemporary Methods

The History and Transformation of Mummification From Ancient Traditions to Contemporary Methods

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The art of preserving bodies refers to the method through which the tissues of a deceased person can remain intact. This process of preservation can occur naturally or be carried out by humans. Natural mummification happens under specific conditions, such as extreme cold, acidic bogs, or dry environments. One well-known example of intentional mummification is from ancient Egypt, where the dead were encased in bandages to prevent decay and keep the body for the next world.

Preserved bodies, including humans and animals, have been discovered on every continent, often because of natural preservation or ritualistic preservation. Throughout Egypt, in excess of a million mummified animals have been found, including a large number of cats. The Egyptian mummification techniques was highly ceremonial. The brain was removed through the nose, and took out most of the body's organs, keeping only the heart inside the body. This was because the heart played a key role in the ceremony in the afterlife. The removed organs were put into canopic jars, which were included in the burial.

In contemporary practices, mummification is being used differently in certain BDSM communities. Here, the concept of mummification is used in a role-playing context, where one person, playing the role of the "slave," is bound tightly by another, the "master." The nose is left uncovered to ensure oxygen flow. The items used to wrap the body can include duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. While the practice shares the name, in this case is primarily about domination and restraint rather than preserving the body.

**In summary**

Mummification has evolved significantly from its roots in ancient burial rituals to modern-day practices in subcultures like BDSM. 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 it is over death or through interpersonal dynamics.