The Art and Evolution of Mummification From Ancient Traditions to Contemporary Methods

The Art and Evolution of Mummification From Ancient Traditions to Contemporary Methods

Blog Article

The art of preserving bodies describes how through which the body of a dead body can remain intact. This preservation can occur naturally or be performed through human intervention. Natural mummification happens under specific conditions, such as freezing temperatures, acidic bogs, or dry environments. One of the most famous forms of intentional mummification comes from ancient Egypt, where the dead were wrapped in bandages to prevent decay and keep the body for the journey to the afterlife.

Preserved bodies, whether human or animal, have been found in many parts of the world, often resulting from natural preservation or intentional rituals. Throughout Egypt, in excess of a million mummified animals have been discovered, including a large number of cats. The process of Egyptian mummification was highly ceremonial. They removed the brain through the nose, and extracted most internal organs, keeping only the heart inside the body. This was because Egyptians believed the heart played a key role in the "Weighing of the Heart" ceremony. The removed organs were placed in canopic jars, which were buried with the mummy.

In contemporary practices, mummification has taken on a new form as part of certain BDSM communities. Here, the concept of mummification has become a form of role-play, where one person, known as the "slave," is completely wrapped by another, the "master." Only the nostrils are left exposed to allow for air. The materials used for this wrapping can include duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. While the practice is still called mummification, in this case is focused on controlling the body rather than preserving the body.

**In summary**

Mummification has undergone vast changes from its beginning in ancient burial rituals to modern-day practices in alternative lifestyles. Although its original intention was about preserving the body for eternity, the contemporary practice focuses on power dynamics. Even though they are different, both forms of mummification reveal a fascination with control, whether it is over death or through interpersonal dynamics.