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Meaning and mnemonic in archaeological studies of death.
- Source :
- Mortality; Feb2020, Vol. 25 Issue 1, p7-24, 18p, 1 Black and White Photograph, 1 Illustration
- Publication Year :
- 2020
-
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). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- ANTHROPOLOGY
BEREAVEMENT
INTERMENT
DEATH
MEMORY
SOCIAL role
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 13576275
- Volume :
- 25
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Mortality
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 141338028
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1080/13576275.2019.1589441