Meaning and mnemonic in archaeological studies of death. (2nd January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Inall, Yvonne; Lillie, Malcolm
• Is Part Of: Mortality. Volume 25:Number 1(2020)
• Page Start: 7
• Page End: 24
• Publication Date: 2020-01-02
• Subjects: Death and burial -- archaeology -- memorialisation -- meaning and mnemonic -- longue durée; Thanatology -- Periodicals; Mortality -- Periodicals; Bereavement -- Periodicals; Undertakers and undertaking -- Periodicals; 304.64
• DOI: 10.1080/13576275.2019.1589441
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1357-6275

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This paper highlights key characteristics of memorialisation processes linked to dying and death. The study demonstrates that, in all periods, the mnemonic triggers engendered by multi-sensory experiences surrounding the treatment of the dead serve as fundamental elements of the memorialisation processes which generate lasting impacts on the living through people's engagement 'in a collective social act'. Roles attributed to the dead are 'active and powerful', and the links between the living and the dead are imbued with myriad meanings, articulated through a variety of activities. These resonate across time and exist in many aspects of contemporary practice. We could argue that dying itself is not simply a social process, and in reality, it is an inherently, and on occasion an aggressively, anti-social act that is negotiated and 'normalised' by the social conventions that society has developed to cope with dying and death. With a focus on the British context, this study explores the ways in which society has dealt with the troublesome and anti-social aspect of death, and dying, through a consideration of past social praxis. It considers the ways in which a broadening of contemporary societies understanding of the variety of approaches to death, burial, bereavement and mourning in a deep time perspective can offer legitimate and authorised options for future practice at a time when there a crisis in available burial space is occurring in England (e.g).