The process of mummification is the process through which the skin and flesh of a deceased person can be preserved. This method of keeping bodies intact can occur naturally or be performed through human intervention. Natural mummification occurs when exposed to particular environments, such as glacial climates, acidic environments, or dry environments. A notable type of intentional mummification originated in Egyptian history, where corpses were covered in bandages to prevent decay and preserve the body for the afterlife.

Mummified remains, whether human or animal, have been discovered in many parts of the world, often because of natural preservation or ritualistic preservation. In Egypt, more than a million animal mummies have been uncovered, including a large number of cats. The process of Egyptian mummification was rich in ritual. They removed the brain via the nostrils, and extracted most internal organs, except for the heart. This was due to the belief that the heart was crucial for the "Weighing of the Heart" ceremony. All other organs were placed in canopic jars, which were laid to rest with the body.

Today, mummification has taken on a new form in certain BDSM communities. Here, the idea of mummifying has become a form of role-play, where one person, referred to as the "slave," is bound tightly by another, the "master." Breathing is allowed through exposed nostrils to allow for air. The materials used for this wrapping range from duct tape, plastic wrap, to bandages. While the practice shares the name, in the BDSM context is primarily about controlling the body instead of preservation.

**To conclude**

Mummification has transformed from its origins in ancient Egyptian death practices to present-day practices in subcultures like BDSM. Although its original intention was to preserve the body for the afterlife, the modern interpretation centers on role-playing. Even though they are different, both forms of mummification demonstrate a shared human interest in mastery, whether controlling life or death or in controlling others.