The art of preserving bodies describes how in which the body of a dead body are preserved. This process of preservation can happen through natural means or be done intentionally by humans. Bodies are naturally preserved under specific conditions, such as extreme cold, high acidity, or dry climates. One of the most famous forms of intentional mummification originated in ancient Egypt, where corpses were encased in bandages to prevent decay and keep the body for the afterlife.
Mummies, both human and animal, have been unearthed on every continent, often because of natural preservation or ritualistic preservation. In Egypt, over one million animal mummies have been found, including a large number of cats. The process of Egyptian mummification was rich in ritual. Egyptians would extract the brain via the nostrils, and removed all major internal organs, leaving only the heart. This was because Egyptians believed the heart was crucial for the afterlife rituals. The removed organs were put into canopic jars, which were buried with the mummy.
In modern times, mummification is being used differently in certain BDSM communities. Here, the idea of mummifying is part of role-playing scenarios, where one person, playing the role of the "slave," is completely wrapped by another, the "master." The nose is left uncovered to ensure oxygen flow. The items used to wrap the body can include duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. While the practice shares the name, its purpose in BDSM centers around controlling the body rather than preserving the body.
**In summary**
Mummification has undergone vast changes from its origins in ancient Egyptian death practices to contemporary practices within BDSM subcultures. While the traditional purpose was to preserve the body for the journey to the next life, the modern interpretation is about control and role-play. Though these two forms differ, both forms of mummification reveal a fascination with control, whether it is over death or through interpersonal dynamics.