Mummification is the process in which the tissues of a corpse are preserved. This process of preservation may happen naturally or be done intentionally by humans. Bodies are naturally preserved in certain environments, such as glacial climates, acidic environments, or arid conditions. One well-known example of intentional mummification comes from Egyptian history, where the dead were wrapped in bandages to stop decomposition and preserve the body for the afterlife.
Preserved bodies, including humans and animals, have been unearthed all over the globe, often because of natural preservation or ritualistic preservation. In Egypt, in excess of a million mummified animals have been uncovered, a significant number being cats. The process of Egyptian mummification was rich in ritual. Egyptians would extract the brain using a hook through the nasal cavity, and extracted most internal organs, keeping only the heart inside the body. This was because Egyptians believed the heart was crucial for the afterlife rituals. The removed organs were put into canopic jars, which were included in the burial.
Today, mummification has evolved into a new practice as part of certain BDSM subcultures. Here, the idea of mummifying is part of role-playing scenarios, where one person, referred to as the "slave," is bound tightly by another, the "master." The nose is left uncovered for breathing. 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 primarily about controlling the body instead of maintaining the body's condition.
**In summary**
Mummification has evolved significantly from its beginning in ancient burial rituals to contemporary practices within BDSM subcultures. While the traditional purpose was about preserving the body for the afterlife, today's version focuses on power dynamics. Though these two forms differ, both forms of mummification reflect a deep human interest in control, whether it is over death or through interpersonal dynamics.