The art of preserving bodies describes how by which the skin and flesh of a dead body are preserved. This method of keeping bodies intact can happen through natural means or be done intentionally by humans. Bodies are naturally preserved in certain environments, such as extreme cold, acidic environments, or dry environments. One well-known example of intentional mummification comes from Egyptian civilization, where corpses were covered in bandages to stop decomposition and maintain the corpse for the journey to the afterlife.
Mummies, including humans and animals, have been unearthed in many parts of the world, often because of natural preservation or cultural practices. Throughout Egypt, more than a million animal mummies have been discovered, a significant number being cats. The method of mummification in ancient Egypt was very symbolic. The brain was removed using a hook through the nasal cavity, and extracted most internal organs, keeping only the heart inside the body. This was because the heart was central to the ceremony in the afterlife. All other organs were placed in canopic jars, which were laid to rest with the body.
Today, mummification has evolved into a new practice as part of certain BDSM subcultures. Here, the concept of mummification is used in a role-playing context, where one person, known as the "slave," is completely wrapped by another, the "master." Breathing is allowed through exposed nostrils to allow for air. 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 rather than maintaining the body's condition.
**Conclusion**
Mummification has undergone vast changes from its beginning in ancient burial rituals to contemporary practices within BDSM subcultures. Though its ancient goal was about preserving the body for the afterlife, the modern interpretation is about control and role-play. Even though they are different, both forms of mummification reflect a deep human interest in control, whether it is over death or through interpersonal dynamics.