Mummification describes how by which the skin and flesh of a dead body can be preserved. This process of preservation may happen naturally or be done intentionally by humans. Natural mummification occurs under specific conditions, such as glacial climates, high acidity, or dry environments. A notable type of intentional mummification originated in Egyptian civilization, where corpses were covered in bandages to preserve their bodies and keep the body for the journey to the afterlife.
Preserved bodies, both human and animal, have been discovered all over the globe, often due to natural preservation or cultural practices. Within Egypt, more than a million animal mummies have been uncovered, including a large number of cats. The Egyptian mummification techniques was highly ceremonial. The brain was removed via the nostrils, and removed all major internal organs, keeping only the heart inside the body. This was because the heart was central to the "Weighing of the Heart" ceremony. The other organs were put into canopic jars, which were buried with the mummy.
In contemporary practices, mummification has evolved into a new practice in certain BDSM practices. Here, the practice of wrapping the body has become a form of role-play, where one person, known as the "slave," is completely wrapped by another, the "master." Breathing is allowed through exposed nostrils for breathing. The wrapping materials range from duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. Though the activity is still called mummification, in this case is primarily about domination and restraint and not about preservation.
**To conclude**
Mummification has transformed from its origins in ancient Egyptian death practices to contemporary practices within BDSM subcultures. Though its ancient goal focused on preserving the body for eternity, the contemporary practice is about control and role-play. Despite the differences, both forms of mummification reveal a fascination with control, whether controlling life or death or in controlling others.