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 describes how by which the body of a deceased person can be preserved. This method of keeping bodies intact may happen naturally or be done intentionally by humans. Natural mummification occurs in certain environments, such as extreme cold, high acidity, or dry environments. A notable type of intentional mummification is from ancient Egypt, where the deceased were wrapped in bandages to prevent decay and maintain the corpse for the afterlife.

Mummified remains, whether human or animal, have been discovered all over the globe, often resulting from natural preservation or intentional rituals. In Egypt, in excess of a million mummified animals have been found, a significant number being cats. The Egyptian mummification techniques was highly ceremonial. The brain was removed using a hook through the nasal cavity, and extracted most internal organs, except for the heart. This was due to the belief that the heart was central to the "Weighing of the Heart" ceremony. The other organs were placed in canopic jars, which were included in the burial.

In contemporary practices, mummification has evolved into a new practice in certain BDSM subcultures. Here, the practice of wrapping the body has become a form of role-play, where one person, playing the role of 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. While the practice shares the name, its purpose in BDSM centers around domination and restraint rather than maintaining the body's condition.

**To conclude**

Mummification has evolved significantly from its beginning in ancient Egyptian death practices to present-day practices in alternative lifestyles. While the traditional purpose was about preserving the body for the afterlife, the modern interpretation centers on role-playing. Though these two forms differ, both forms of mummification reflect a deep human interest in control, whether controlling life or death or through interpersonal dynamics.