The Art of Mummification - Research Paper Example

Art of Mummification Mummification is one of the contributions of ancient civilization. For that matter, the study of the process is used to achieve better understanding of the different components of the culture and civilization of different groups of people through the course of human history. The paper is aimed to present a descriptive view on the process and the art of mummification. The Process of Mummification Mummification is the process of preparing the once-living body or part of the body so that the disintegration can be hindered. The physical form of the body can be preserved for long periods of time on the basis of culture, beliefs, norms, or scientific purposes. The Egyptians are on top of the list of the cultures that mummified their remains (Aufderheide, 2003, p.41). The process of mummification can be classified on the basis of the methods and techniques used namely anthropogenic artificial mummification, spontaneous or natural mummification, spontaneous-enhanced mummification, and indeterminate type of mummification. These types of mummification are composed of the essential process which inhibits the decay of the components of the body. The main principles of mummification can then be considered as the arresting of the process of enzymatic action called autolysis that causes the disintegration of the molecules of the body at a faster rate. When this post-mortem decay process is inhibited, mummification is achieved (Aufderheide, 2003, p.41). To prevent decay and achieve mummification, the factors that can promote the enzyme action are prevented. These factors include aqueous medium, acidity, temperature, substrate specificity, and inhibitors. One way of preventing enzyme action is through the prevention of aqueous medium which is the optimum environment for enzyme action. Mummification can be achieved through spontaneous and anthropogenic desiccation. Control of pH is another important factor in the disintegration of the bodies since acidic environment is considered as an optimum pH. A deviation from the said level is important in mummification. In terms of temperature, different enzymes work best at different temperature, but low temperatures are better for tissue preservation. Substrate specificity is related to the efficacy of an enzyme to the composition of the body, thus, application of chemicals such as alcohol and formaldehyde which can alter the substrate can inhibit the action of the enzymes. Inhibitors are also included in the factors that can affect mummification. One example is the presence of heavy metal ions in groundwater that can contribute to the prevention of decay and the achievement of the process of mummification. Aside from these factors, different chemical changes occurring in nature can also affect mummification. Mechanisms such as desiccation, thermal effects, chemical effects, anaerobiasis, excarnation, etc. are included in the factors that promote mummification (Aufderheide, 2003, p.42-43). Mummification is a process that can occur naturally due to the different factors contributing in nature and through artificial or man-made practices. In the study of the art of mummification, another important focuses are the cultures, traditions, and practices associated with the mummification in burial practices. Art, Culture and Traditions in Mummification Numerous cultural groups and nations practice the art of mummification in the basis of their culture and norms. The practice of mummification done on purpose and not by nature is the main essence of the study since elaborate stages were needed to achieve the goal. The said process was incorporated and strictly observed by the people. Mummification in Egypt The mummification in Egypt can be considered as the most well-known kind around the world. Based on studies undertaken, the said country was blessed with the high level of knowledge in embalming and the environmental conditions favorable for the process. Egypt has an extremely dry climate that can limit the effects of the enzymes. In fact, the climate does not allow the survival of bacteria that can cause decay in both the sand and the air (Magi, 2003, p.107). The process starts in the embalming of the body. The first step is the extraction of the brain through the nostrils using a hook. The space formed in the skull is then filled with a mixture that hardens. The said mixture is based on liquid bitumen. The eyes are then removed using a sharp stone and enameled orbs are placed on the orbits. The internal organs are then removed through an incision at the left side of the body. All the contents except the heart are taken out and treated with boiling bitumen. These include organs such as the stomach, liver, lungs and the intestines which are put into four jars made from different materials classified on the basis of the status of the corpse in the society. Each jar has one of the four attendant spirits of the dead namely a human, a jackal, a hawk and a baboon. These jars are then placed in a container and set beside the mummy (Magi, 2003, p.107). The subsequent steps include washing of the internal cavity with palm wine and then drying through the application of powder off aromatic plants. It is then filled with either ground myrrh or perfumed wood sawdust. The body is then submerged in a bath of natron, or natural sodium carbonate. The said process is undertaken for 70 days wherein the flesh is dissolved. After the said period the only the skin and the bones remain. After this, the hair is cut short for the men. The next step is wrapping the course with cloth (Magi, 2003, p.107). Narrow bindings with resins are used to wrap the corpse. Muslin cloth is used near the skin. The art of wrapping is one of the most important highlight in the process of mummification since the Egyptian mummies can be considered to have the most intricate manner of preparation. Every part of the body is carefully wrapped such as the fingers. This is carefully undertaken in a successive manner until the whole body is wrapped. The fingers are commonly the first part wrapped. This is followed by the wrapping of the hand, arm, foot and leg. The wrapping of the head is considered the hardest part of the process since every curve is followed and carefully covered. After the whole body is wrapped, the hands are then positioned either on the chest or on the sides. Another layer of bindings is wrapped from the head to the toe to secure the mummy. Important people in the society such as the pharaohs are placed in golden cases with their features painted outside (Magi, 2003, p.107). The whole process can be considered as an important definition of the art of mummification. The phases undertaken in mummification in Egypt are intricate and deeply rooted in their culture and tradition. Mummification in Other Cultures Mummification is also a part of the culture and traditions of other groups and nations in history. In Australia and Melanisia, evidences of mummification as a part of burial rituals in different tribes had been discovered. In Australia, the process of mummification is largely aimed on the determination of causes of death. On the other hand, Melanisians can be considered to have similar objectives as the Egyptians. This is to maintain the physical integrity of the corpse, thus, they practiced different methods of mummification. Included in the methods were desiccation through sun drying and the more complicated smoke dying technique (Cockburn, Cockburn and Reyman, 1998, p.289). The discovery of mummies in other locations in the world such as Australia and Melanisia proved the fact that the said practice is internationally known during the early part of history. For that matter, modern people can achieve accurate knowledge on the culture and traditions of the people in early periods through the study of their remains. One important point is that the remains of the people were mummified to serve as memorials as part of the worldwide tradition during the said period in human civilization (Cockburn, Cockburn and Reyman, 1998, p.289-291). Evidences of mummification had also been found in the Early Middle Ages, specifically the period from 13th to 16th century in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. In the said culture, mummification is undertaken for the royalty as exemplified by one of the most famous mummified remain in the area Queen Anna of Habsburg, the wife of King Rudolf of Habsburg, who died in 1281. The mummification of the said remain is undertaken through several steps. First phase was the removal of internal organs after death. The head and body were then treated with soda-lye and wrapped in cloth with wax. The body was the clothed over the bandage and put to the coffin of beech wood (Spindler, 1996, p.231). These are some of the examples of mummification in different parts of the world. Different cultures have unique methods of mummification which can define their own unique traditions. Conclusion In the study of the art of mummification, the methods, techniques and significance of the process had been perceived. In addition, the said practice is not limited in Egypt but present in other parts of the world from the early part of history to the modern ages. One point had been learned in the study. It is the fact that mummification is an act of honoring the people through proper treatment and preservation of their physical beings. References Aufderheide, A. C. (2003). The Scientific Study of Mummies. Cambridge University Press. Cockburn, A., Cockburn, E. and Reyman, T.A. (1998). Mummies, Disease and Ancient Cultures Magi, G. (2003). Art and History: Luxor. Casa Editrice Bonechi. Spindler, K. (1996). Human Mummies: A Global Survey of their Status and the Techniques of Conservation. Springer. Read More