The art of preserving bodies is the process through which the skin and flesh 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 environments. One of the most famous forms of intentional mummification originated in ancient Egypt, where the dead were wrapped in bandages to prevent decay and preserve the body for the afterlife.
Mummies, both human and animal, have been discovered all over the globe, often because of natural preservation or ritualistic preservation. Within Egypt, more than a million animal mummies have been found, including a large number of cats. The process of Egyptian mummification was rich in ritual. The brain was removed through the nose, and removed all major internal organs, leaving only the heart. This was due to the belief that the heart was central to 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 is being used differently as part of certain BDSM practices. Here, the concept of mummification is part of role-playing scenarios, where one person, referred to as the "slave," is bound tightly by another, the "master." Breathing is allowed through exposed nostrils to ensure oxygen flow. The wrapping materials can include duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. While the practice shares the name, in this case centers around domination and restraint instead of preservation.
**In summary**
Mummification has undergone vast changes from its origins in early death rituals to contemporary practices within BDSM subcultures. Although its original intention was to preserve the body for eternity, today's version 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.