mummifications
Ancient body preservations
Mummifications are instances or processes of preserving bodies—human or animal—to prevent decay.
The term covers both ancient practices, as in Egypt, and natural preservation through extreme conditions.
Figuratively, mummification suggests anything rendered static or lifeless while maintaining outward form: the mummification of once-vital traditions.
Preserving dead bodies chemically
- sarcophagusCarved stone burial container
- pharaohAncient Egyptian ruler
- tombUnderground chamber for remains
- natronHydrated sodium carbonate mineral
canopic · bandages · linen · preservation · hieroglyphics · burial · afterlife · Anubis
Complete removal of moisture
- tissueDisposable soft paper
- preservationMaintaining something's condition
- dehydrationExcessive fluid loss
- decayGradual organic breakdown
bacteria · decomposition · forensic · anthropology · specimens · analysis · research · autopsy
Absence of flow or progress
- fossilizationOrganic remains becoming mineral
- rigidityState of being unbending
- bureaucracyRigid administrative system
- ossificationConversion to bone tissue
preservation · unchanged · frozen · antiquated · petrification · calcification · institutionalization · stiffening
Of Peru's ancient empire
- TibetanOf a Himalayan region
- BuddhistFollower of Gautama's teachings
- relicsPreserved items from antiquity
- saintsCanonized religious figures
incorruptibles · veneration · ancestors · traditions · ceremonies · spiritual · sacred · monks
Removing internal organs
- dryingMoisture removal process
- wrappingOuter covering material
- anointingCeremonial oil application
- oilsViscous lipid liquids
spices · treatment · preparation · stages · techniques · methods · procedures · coating
embalming
Preserving dead bodies chemically
- sarcophagusCarved stone burial container
- pharaohAncient Egyptian ruler
- tombUnderground chamber for remains
natron · canopic · bandages · linen · preservation · hieroglyphics · burial · afterlife · Anubis · priests
desiccation
Complete removal of moisture
- tissueDisposable soft paper
- preservationMaintaining something's condition
- dehydrationExcessive fluid loss
decay · bacteria · decomposition · forensic · anthropology · specimens · analysis · research · autopsy · DNA
stagnation
Absence of flow or progress
- fossilizationOrganic remains becoming mineral
- rigidityState of being unbending
- bureaucracyRigid administrative system
ossification · preservation · unchanged · frozen · antiquated · petrification · calcification · institutionalization · stiffening · formalization
Incan
Of Peru's ancient empire
- TibetanOf a Himalayan region
- BuddhistFollower of Gautama's teachings
- relicsPreserved items from antiquity
saints · incorruptibles · veneration · ancestors · traditions · ceremonies · spiritual · sacred · monks · catacombs
evisceration
Removing internal organs
oils · spices · treatment · preparation · stages · techniques · methods · procedures · coating · stuffing
mummificationscremations
Burning deceased bodies
incinerations · sky burials · alkaline hydrolysis · burnings · composting
mummificationsdecompositions
Breakings into simpler parts
biodegradation · decay · rotting · moldering · disintegrations