The art of preserving bodies refers to the method in which the skin and flesh of a corpse are preserved. This process of preservation may happen naturally or be done intentionally by humans. Bodies are naturally preserved when exposed to particular environments, such as glacial climates, acidic bogs, or dry climates. A notable type of intentional mummification comes from Egyptian civilization, where corpses were wrapped in bandages to prevent decay and keep the body for the next world.
Preserved bodies, whether human or animal, have been unearthed in many parts of the world, often resulting from natural preservation or intentional rituals. In Egypt, more than a million animal mummies have been discovered, a significant number being cats. The process of Egyptian mummification was very symbolic. They removed the brain via the nostrils, 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 placed in canopic jars, which were buried with the mummy.
In modern times, mummification has evolved into a new practice in certain BDSM subcultures. 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 for breathing. The materials used for this wrapping range from duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. Though the activity shares the name, its purpose in BDSM centers around restraint and control rather than preservation.
**In summary**
Mummification has undergone vast changes from its origins in ancient Egyptian death practices to modern-day practices in alternative lifestyles. Though its ancient goal was to preserve the body for the afterlife, today's version focuses on power dynamics. Even though they are different, both forms of mummification demonstrate a shared human interest in mastery, whether it is over death or within social relationships.