The art of preserving bodies describes how through which the tissues of a deceased person can be preserved. This preservation may happen naturally or be performed through human intervention. Natural mummification occurs under specific conditions, such as freezing temperatures, acidic bogs, or dry climates. One of the most famous forms of intentional mummification is from Egyptian civilization, where the deceased were covered in bandages to preserve their bodies and keep the body for the next world.
Mummified remains, both human and animal, have been discovered on every continent, often because of natural preservation or ritualistic preservation. In Egypt, more than a million animal mummies have been discovered, including a large number of cats. The method of mummification in ancient Egypt was rich in ritual. The brain was removed using a hook through the nasal cavity, and removed all major internal organs, except for the heart. This was because the heart played a key role in the "Weighing of the Heart" ceremony. All other organs were put into 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 practice of wrapping the body is used in a role-playing context, where one person, known as the "slave," is bound tightly by another, the "master." The nose is left uncovered to ensure oxygen flow. The wrapping materials vary from duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. Although this practice retains the term mummification, in this case is focused on restraint and control and not about preserving the body.
**Conclusion**
Mummification has transformed from its origins in ancient Egyptian death practices to present-day practices within BDSM subcultures. While the traditional purpose focused on preserving the body for the afterlife, the modern interpretation centers on role-playing. Despite the differences, both forms of mummification demonstrate a shared human interest in mastery, whether over death or through interpersonal dynamics.