who/what else got mummified,other than humans? why?
Yes, but are you only referring to the Egyptians? Please be more specific.
Sra
Believing you probably are studying the Egyptians, here's a search:
Sra
Mummification, the preservation of bodies after death, was not limited to humans but also extended to various animals and even specific plant remains. The reasons for mummifying beings other than humans varied depending on cultural beliefs and practices.
1. Animals: In ancient Egyptian civilization, a wide variety of animals were mummified, including cats, dogs, birds, crocodiles, and even bulls. These animals were mummified for several reasons:
a. Religious Beliefs: Certain animals were associated with specific deities or considered sacred in Egyptian mythology. Mummifying these animals was seen as a way to honor and provide offerings to the associated gods and goddesses. For instance, cats were considered sacred to the goddess Bastet.
b. Companion Preservation: Some animals, particularly pets, were mummified to be buried alongside their deceased owners. This practice reflected the belief that pets held a special place in the afterlife and would provide companionship to their owners there.
c. Symbolism: The mummification of animals could also serve as a symbolic gesture. For example, mummified crocodiles were believed to ward off potential dangers associated with the Nile River.
2. Plant Remains: While the term "mummification" is typically associated with the preservation of animal or human bodies, there is a form of plant mummification found in certain environments. This occurs in extremely arid or saline conditions, such as deserts or salt flats, where plant material can become desiccated and preserved over long periods.
a. Natural Preservation: In these environments, the lack of moisture and specific chemical conditions can cause plant remains to dry out and mummify naturally. These desiccated plant remains can offer insights into ancient ecosystems and climate conditions.
It's important to note that the exact reasons and methods of mummification varied across different cultures and time periods. The examples provided here mainly focus on ancient Egyptian practices and the natural mummification of certain plant matter.