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

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

Blog Article

The process of mummification refers to the method by which the skin and flesh of a dead body are preserved. This preservation can happen through natural means or be carried out by humans. Bodies are naturally preserved under specific conditions, such as extreme cold, acidic environments, or dry climates. One well-known example of intentional mummification originated in ancient Egypt, where corpses were covered in bandages to prevent decay and maintain the corpse for the journey to the afterlife.

Mummified remains, including humans and animals, have been discovered on every continent, often resulting from natural preservation or intentional rituals. Within Egypt, in excess of a million mummified animals have been discovered, including a large number of cats. The method of mummification in ancient Egypt was very symbolic. The brain was removed via the nostrils, and extracted most internal organs, except for the heart. This was because the heart was central to the "Weighing of the Heart" ceremony. All other organs were placed in canopic jars, which were included in the burial.

In contemporary practices, mummification has taken on a new form within certain BDSM practices. Here, the concept of mummification is part of role-playing scenarios, where one person, referred to as the "slave," is bound tightly by another, the "master." The nose is left uncovered to allow for air. The items used to wrap the body can include duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. Although this practice is still called mummification, in the BDSM context is primarily about restraint and control and not about maintaining the body's condition.

**In summary**

Mummification has undergone vast changes from its origins in ancient Egyptian death practices to modern-day practices in subcultures like BDSM. While the traditional purpose was to preserve the body for eternity, the modern interpretation centers on role-playing. Though these two forms differ, both forms of mummification reveal a fascination with control, whether over death or within social relationships.