The art of preserving bodies is the process through which the tissues of a dead body can be preserved. This preservation may happen naturally or be performed through human intervention. Bodies are naturally preserved in certain environments, such as freezing temperatures, acidic bogs, or dry climates. One well-known example of intentional mummification originated in Egyptian history, where the deceased were covered in bandages to preserve their bodies and maintain the corpse for the afterlife.
Mummies, both human and animal, have been unearthed on every continent, often due to natural preservation or ritualistic preservation. Throughout Egypt, more than a million animal mummies have been uncovered, a significant number being cats. The Egyptian mummification techniques was rich in ritual. The brain was removed through the nose, and removed all major internal organs, except for the heart. This was because Egyptians believed the heart was crucial for the "Weighing of the Heart" ceremony. All other organs were placed in canopic jars, which were laid to rest with the body.
In modern times, 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 completely wrapped by another, the "master." The nose is left uncovered to ensure oxygen flow. The wrapping materials can include duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. Although this practice is still called mummification, in this case is focused on restraint and control rather than preservation.
**Conclusion**
Mummification has undergone vast changes from its beginning in ancient Egyptian death practices to contemporary practices within BDSM subcultures. While the traditional purpose focused on preserving the body for eternity, the modern interpretation focuses on power dynamics. Even though they are different, both forms of mummification reflect a deep human interest in control, whether it is over death or within social relationships.