The History and Transformation of Mummification From Historical Rituals to Modern-Day Practices

The History and Transformation of Mummification From Historical Rituals to Modern-Day Practices

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The process of mummification is the process in which the skin and flesh of a dead body are preserved. This preservation may happen naturally or be performed through human intervention. Natural mummification occurs when exposed to particular environments, such as freezing temperatures, acidic environments, or arid conditions. A notable type of intentional mummification originated in ancient Egypt, where the dead were wrapped in bandages to prevent decay and preserve the body for the next world.

Preserved bodies, both human and animal, have been found in many parts of the world, often due to natural preservation or cultural practices. Throughout Egypt, more than a million animal mummies have been discovered, a significant number being cats. The method of mummification in ancient Egypt was highly ceremonial. Egyptians would extract the brain using a hook through the nasal cavity, and took out most of the body's organs, keeping only the heart inside the body. This was because Egyptians believed the heart was crucial for the ceremony in the afterlife. The removed organs were stored in canopic jars, which were laid to rest with the body.

In contemporary practices, mummification has taken on a new form within certain BDSM communities. Here, the idea of mummifying has become a form of role-play, where one person, referred to as the "slave," is completely wrapped by another, the "master." Breathing is allowed through exposed nostrils to ensure oxygen flow. The materials used for this wrapping vary from duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. While the practice shares the name, in this case is focused on restraint and control and not about maintaining the body's condition.

**To conclude**

Mummification has evolved significantly from its beginning in ancient Egyptian death practices to modern-day practices within BDSM subcultures. Though its ancient goal was about preserving the body for the journey to the next life, the contemporary practice focuses on power dynamics. Despite the differences, both forms of mummification demonstrate a shared human interest in mastery, whether over death or through interpersonal dynamics.