Skip to main content

Becoming a Halloween Monster: Mummy

 ðŸ§»ðŸš½

You could argue that a mummy is just another kind of zombie. And technically, you'd be correct. However, it has such a distinct history and looks that is unlike the gooey undead that is zombies. 

What is a Mummy?

A mummy is the result of Ancient Egyptian funeral rites that preserves the body. However, mummification can occur naturally and with different variations throughout cultures and locations. (Wet mummies are a thing.) 

Tell-Tale Features

  • Body wrapped in bandages
  • Dried up skin

Common Themes

  • Ancient Egyptian Wealth
  • Curses
  • Desert
  • Sand
  • Bogs
  • Death Masks
  • Cats

Egypt has the most iconic mummies, but there are many indigenous tribes that also perform similar rites for their dead. However, in this day and age we have a heightened sense about portraying cultures that are not our own. Some portrayals may come off as disrespectful, so perhaps double check before posting your costume pics online. 

Also consider that wraps do not have to be physically wrapped around your body. You could make a body suit or create the illusion of wraps with the right sewing technique. 

Inspiration References

  • The Mummy (Old Cinema/Film)
  • Historical Records 
  • Hotel Transylvania (Animated Film Series)
  • Monster High (Web Series/Toys)
(OMG why can't I think of any examples!?)

Where to Start

Well, it's not 2020, so it may be safe to use rolls of TP...but let's be real. TP is a precious commodity and will certainly become our new currency in the near future. Ahem...all silliness aside, I think finding a solution to your "wrapping" is critical. You may also want to decide how culturally in-depth you want to go. I will say, Monster High offers an example of an extremely fashionable way to portray a "mummy". 


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hakama Series - Hibakama (Scarlet Hakama)

The bright red hakama with a white kimono is a common sight in both anime and video game characters. Shrine maidens or Miko also wear this combination of colors when they work at Shinto shrines. Honestly, there is a LOT of history and cultural significance wrapped up in this one.  Anime/Games: Inuyasha, Genshin Impact, Sailor Moon,  So let's talk Design. Design Considerations Cultural Significance This is one I'd pay attention to if I was creating a character of my own. I assume that already created characters have had this research done and have taken their artistic license.  Some of the research taught me a few things: The color is technically scarlet or vermillion, not "red". 🤷 Miko are not part of the Shinto clergy. Sometimes they are just seasonal workers.  Generally, Miko are young women in their teens or early 20s. After a certain age, they wear different colors.  This was based on Heian nobility colors and fashions.  Color Like I said earlier, the ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Hakama Series - Side Opening Covers/Pockets

The side openings on hakama can feel a bit exposing if you're not wearing a full kimono underneath or perhaps you just can't stand to be without pockets! While these things are not necessarily historically accurate for the area, you can make it work.  Modesty Panels These will be panels of fabric that hang from your waist at your sides where the openings of the hakama are. You can choose to attach these to the belts (himo) of your hakama or to make your own waistband.  You can use any kind of cloth but the idea is to use any left over clothe from making your hakama. But if you want different colors or prints go for it.  You will cut a rectangle with rounded corners that is 16" tall and about an inch wider than your side openings (sasahida). To keep it from fraying, either use a serger or overlock machine to finish the edges except at the top. Alternatively, use a zig-zag stitch on your regular sewing machine all around the edges except the top..  Make a waistband fro...
Post a Comment
Read more

Hakama Series - Split Leg Hakama

This is the classic style that you likely think of when you hear the word "Hakama". Very wide-legged pleated trousers worn by swordsmen and warriors. Admittedly these are "modern" hakama. There are variations based on historical time period and social status. But these should suit most cases.  So, lets go over how to make them!  You will see examples of this in many games and Anime but some faves of mine include: Rurouni Kenshin, Bleach, Demon Slayer, XXXholic, Hell's Paradise and Genshin Impact.  UPDATE 4/10/2024: I've redone all my instructions. Now that I've actually made a pair of hakama and found some more resources, I felt this needed updating.  From Chihirohowe's Guide Design Elements Color For modern or fantasy character design, no limits to color! You can also use print fabric and add designs! Historically, these would be a solid color and often have a neutral color scheme (white, grey, black, brown). More colorful hakama were usually worn ...
Post a Comment
Read more