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

Blog Article

Mummification is the process through which the body of a dead body can be preserved. This method of keeping bodies intact can happen through natural means or be done intentionally by humans. Bodies are naturally preserved under specific conditions, such as extreme cold, high acidity, or dry environments. A notable type of intentional mummification is from Egyptian civilization, where the dead were covered in bandages to preserve their bodies and keep the body for the journey to the afterlife.

Mummies, both human and animal, have been found on every continent, often due to natural preservation or cultural practices. Within Egypt, more than a million animal mummies have been uncovered, including a large number of cats. The Egyptian mummification techniques was highly ceremonial. Egyptians would extract the brain through the nose, and took out most of the body's organs, keeping only the heart inside the body. This was due to the belief that the heart was crucial for the "Weighing of the Heart" ceremony. The other organs were stored in canopic jars, which were buried with the mummy.

In contemporary practices, mummification is being used differently as part of certain BDSM communities. Here, the idea of mummifying is part of role-playing scenarios, where one person, known as the "slave," is wrapped tightly by another, the "master." Breathing is allowed through exposed nostrils to ensure oxygen flow. The items used to wrap the body range from duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. Although this practice is still called mummification, in this case is focused on controlling the body instead of maintaining the body's condition.

**To conclude**

Mummification has transformed from its origins in early death rituals to modern-day practices in alternative lifestyles. Although its original intention was to preserve the body for the journey to the next life, the modern interpretation is about control and role-play. Despite the differences, both forms of mummification demonstrate a shared human interest in mastery, whether over death or within social relationships.