One thing which I find almost sad is that there is always so much interest and speculation when people discover same sex bodies. When reading this article it almost sounded like its trying to sensationalize the discoveries. Although the people buried together may be the same sex it is quite possible that they are not the same gender. This is something which is very important for archaeologists to keep in mind, just because our culture has a binary gender system (which we may be slowly changing :)) it doesn’t mean that every culture does.
As well throughout the article it does not mention that the sexing of skeletons is not 100%. For there is always room for error.
Abrahamsen Valerie 1998. “Burials in Greek Macedonia: Possible Evidence for Same-Sex Committed Relationships in Early Christianity” Institute for Higher Critical Studies URL: http://depts.drew.edu/jhc/samesex.html Accessed on April 1, 2011.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
Animal Sacrifice
The sacrifice of animals for the deceased is a practice that is very common throughout the world. For if you died and were going to the afterlife would you not want to make sure that the animals you had in this world join you in the next? From the ancient Egyptians who sacrificed and mummified animals who were the sacred animals of their gods, or their beloved pets to the Celts and Norse who buried their horses with them. Animal sacrifice was seen as a necessity for these animals were needed in the afterlife just like they were in the present world.
As well the type of animal in the burial may also infer to us about the individual it is buried with. For in many societies to have a horse sacrificed and buried with you means that you and/or your family are wealthy and prestigious, as horses were considered to be high status animals. So animal sacrifices not made it so that you had animals with you in the after life but it also served the purpose for the family to show their importance and wealth.
Sometimes it may be hard in the archaeological record to distinguish between the natural death of an animal or the sacrificial death. One way that this may be done is by examining the throat area, for the slitting of the throat is a common way to kill the animal, though certainly the only way.
Although I personally would not want any of my animals to be sacrificed when I die, I recognize the importance of it in other cultures and periods. Even though PETA and the SPCA are against the use of animal sacrifice and are trying to ban it, one thing that is important to keep in mind is that many times (though not always) the animal is killed quite quickly and humanely.
The History Files 2011 http://www.historyfiles.co.uk/KingListsFarEast/AsiaIndoEuropeans.htm Accessed April 1, 2011.
As well the type of animal in the burial may also infer to us about the individual it is buried with. For in many societies to have a horse sacrificed and buried with you means that you and/or your family are wealthy and prestigious, as horses were considered to be high status animals. So animal sacrifices not made it so that you had animals with you in the after life but it also served the purpose for the family to show their importance and wealth.
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| Horse sacrifice in Turkmenistan |
Although I personally would not want any of my animals to be sacrificed when I die, I recognize the importance of it in other cultures and periods. Even though PETA and the SPCA are against the use of animal sacrifice and are trying to ban it, one thing that is important to keep in mind is that many times (though not always) the animal is killed quite quickly and humanely.
The History Files 2011 http://www.historyfiles.co.uk/KingListsFarEast/AsiaIndoEuropeans.htm Accessed April 1, 2011.
Memories & Heirlooms
I find it interesting that archaeologists have only recently begun to look at memory. Considering it is the study of what is left behind by the living for the dead, you would have thought that studying how people remember or forget the dead would have been an integral part of archaeology. I think that archaeologists have been studying memory, they just weren’t aware of it. For is that not what Egyptian monuments are? Or the large burial mounds and cairns? Are they not ways for the living to remember and commemorate the dead? These have always been studied in archaeology, it has only been recently that they have begun to recognize it.
There are numerous ways for the living to commemorate the dead which show up in the archaeological record. These include monuments, gravestone, tombs, churches and many others which are not mentioned here. Another way for the living to remember the dead is through heirlooms. These sometimes can be found in the archaeological record when grave goods are found to be a lot older than the grave and person. Although it is possible that there are other reasons for this, heirlooms may be one of the reasons that this occurs.
I think that the quote below is an interesting argument for the creation and continuation of heirlooms.
“Our ancient ancestors may have discovered that, in defending territorial claims or legitimating unequal rights to land or other critical resources, heirlooms, as tangible links to their ancestors, were their most powerful weapons of all” (Katina 1999).
Although this may be part of why the use of heirlooms started, another important aspect is that they help those left to remember the deceased and a part of their lineage. Although harder to tell through the archaeological record what is an heirloom or what isn’t it is important to try and recognize them.
Lillios Katina T. 1999. “Objects of Memory: The Ethnography and Archaeology of Heirlooms” Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory Vol. 6:3 pp. 235-262.
There are numerous ways for the living to commemorate the dead which show up in the archaeological record. These include monuments, gravestone, tombs, churches and many others which are not mentioned here. Another way for the living to remember the dead is through heirlooms. These sometimes can be found in the archaeological record when grave goods are found to be a lot older than the grave and person. Although it is possible that there are other reasons for this, heirlooms may be one of the reasons that this occurs.
I think that the quote below is an interesting argument for the creation and continuation of heirlooms.
“Our ancient ancestors may have discovered that, in defending territorial claims or legitimating unequal rights to land or other critical resources, heirlooms, as tangible links to their ancestors, were their most powerful weapons of all” (Katina 1999).
Although this may be part of why the use of heirlooms started, another important aspect is that they help those left to remember the deceased and a part of their lineage. Although harder to tell through the archaeological record what is an heirloom or what isn’t it is important to try and recognize them.
Lillios Katina T. 1999. “Objects of Memory: The Ethnography and Archaeology of Heirlooms” Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory Vol. 6:3 pp. 235-262.
Arthurian Archaeology
The legends of King Arthur and his knights of the round table at the Court of Camelot have been around for more than 1,000 years. Even during the time of Eleanor of Aquitaine the stories o King Arthur were well known, and they were in part responsible for the Court of Love which was at her castle at Poitier. Having always been fascinated by the stories of King Arthur and his knights got me wondering if there were any archaeological sites in England which are about Camelot and Arthur.
Surprisingly there is considerable information about archaeological research of King Arthur and Camelot. What I found was that most of the work appeared to have happened in the 1960s and 70s.
Tintagel Castle
Considering the writings of Monmouth from the 12th Century, Tintagel Castle in Cornwall was the place where Arthur was believed to be conceived and archaeological excavation began there in the 1930s for over 30 years. From the site shards of pottery from the period of 450-700 BCE (believed to be the time of Arthur) were found and at first thought to be a Celtic monastery but under more recent investigation was thought to be a settlement, for the pottery shards are not local and so it is linked to the higher class who could afford to have it imported. Unfortunately the graves which were found here empty. It is possible that this place may have once been a fortress for the nobles of the time preferred to have their fortresses on hilltops. So it is possible that this was a royal settlement, and maybe that of Uther.
There is another important site for the archaeological search for proof of King Arthur is in Cadbury. As the South hill has been strongly associated with the Arthurian legends. There archaeological excavation began in 1965. There was found another fortress found which would have been occupied during the time of the Arthurian Legends.
However I am with the writer of the paper on my interpretation. Just because archaeologists have found settlements in the same area and at the right period does not mean the legend is true. Instead I think that maybe part of the legend is true, it is possible that within the walls of Tintagel Castle and in the South hill of Cadbury there was a man who was a great warrior. However today the legend of Arthur and his knights of the Round Table is nothing more than a fantasy with little being accurate of who the original person was.
From researching for this it made me seriously reconsider what aspects of history we take as "true" even if there is no evidence to prove it. As well it also showed me how over 1,000 years the story of one, or possibly several individuals could be so dramatically changed. This certainty has helped me to realize that although legends have a beginning from truth, what is true may not always be the part we want to be true. For I am sure that everyone want the Knights of the Round Table to be true, but do not want the tale of Lancelot and Guinevere to be.
Biehl Michelle L. 1991. A Short History of Arthurian Archaeology, “Archaeology of Europe”URL: http://www.jammed.com/~mlb/arthur.html.
Surprisingly there is considerable information about archaeological research of King Arthur and Camelot. What I found was that most of the work appeared to have happened in the 1960s and 70s.
Tintagel Castle
Considering the writings of Monmouth from the 12th Century, Tintagel Castle in Cornwall was the place where Arthur was believed to be conceived and archaeological excavation began there in the 1930s for over 30 years. From the site shards of pottery from the period of 450-700 BCE (believed to be the time of Arthur) were found and at first thought to be a Celtic monastery but under more recent investigation was thought to be a settlement, for the pottery shards are not local and so it is linked to the higher class who could afford to have it imported. Unfortunately the graves which were found here empty. It is possible that this place may have once been a fortress for the nobles of the time preferred to have their fortresses on hilltops. So it is possible that this was a royal settlement, and maybe that of Uther.
There is another important site for the archaeological search for proof of King Arthur is in Cadbury. As the South hill has been strongly associated with the Arthurian legends. There archaeological excavation began in 1965. There was found another fortress found which would have been occupied during the time of the Arthurian Legends.
However I am with the writer of the paper on my interpretation. Just because archaeologists have found settlements in the same area and at the right period does not mean the legend is true. Instead I think that maybe part of the legend is true, it is possible that within the walls of Tintagel Castle and in the South hill of Cadbury there was a man who was a great warrior. However today the legend of Arthur and his knights of the Round Table is nothing more than a fantasy with little being accurate of who the original person was.
From researching for this it made me seriously reconsider what aspects of history we take as "true" even if there is no evidence to prove it. As well it also showed me how over 1,000 years the story of one, or possibly several individuals could be so dramatically changed. This certainty has helped me to realize that although legends have a beginning from truth, what is true may not always be the part we want to be true. For I am sure that everyone want the Knights of the Round Table to be true, but do not want the tale of Lancelot and Guinevere to be.
Biehl Michelle L. 1991. A Short History of Arthurian Archaeology, “Archaeology of Europe”URL: http://www.jammed.com/~mlb/arthur.html.
Aotearoa Archaeology
When talking about ethics last week Erin showed us a picture of the Maori warrior head and that got me thinking that I would like to do an entry about Maori culture. I have always loved New Zealand since I was there 6 years ago (time sure does fly!).
Wairau Bar is thought to be the oldest settlement in New Zealand. As well it is believed that within one or two generations of landing this area was settled. This site was discovered in 1939. During the original excavation 44 skeletons were found and examined. There were originally 3 different groups discovered at the site. Before they were reburied in 2009 they were reexamined using modern testing and it was found that the skeletons exhibited a wide variety of ages. However only one child skeleton was found.
One thing which was interesting was that only 21 of the skeletons had teeth. And those which had teeth also had stress in their childhood, yet they overcame the disease and lived quite healthy lives as adults. It was also found in the examination of the bodies that there was a difference in the health of the individuals between the 3 groups and among the sexes.
Unfortunately I was only able to gain access to the abstract of the paper, as it appears that the author has taken it off of the internet. Which means that I am only able to look at 2 of the groups which are mentioned briefly in the abstract.
It was found that Group 3 had the most skeletons of older females than the others. As well it was found that between the different groups there was contrast in health. For group 1 was found to have a higher rate of periodontal disease as well as a less extreme wear pattern. As a side note I should mention that periodontal diseases are those which affect the tissues that support and surround teeth.
I really wish that I could have accessed more information about this site, but even what I found was difficult to find. As well it appears that it is very hard to do archaeological work in New Zealand as the Maori people need to give consent and there does not appear to be many sites around New Zealand where work is taking place.
Buckley, H. R, Tayles, Nancy,. Halcrow, Siân E., Robb, Kasey., Fyfe Roger 2009. “The People of Wairau Bar: a Re-examination” Journal of Pacific Archaeology Vol 1:1.
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| Wairau Bar |
One thing which was interesting was that only 21 of the skeletons had teeth. And those which had teeth also had stress in their childhood, yet they overcame the disease and lived quite healthy lives as adults. It was also found in the examination of the bodies that there was a difference in the health of the individuals between the 3 groups and among the sexes.
Unfortunately I was only able to gain access to the abstract of the paper, as it appears that the author has taken it off of the internet. Which means that I am only able to look at 2 of the groups which are mentioned briefly in the abstract.
It was found that Group 3 had the most skeletons of older females than the others. As well it was found that between the different groups there was contrast in health. For group 1 was found to have a higher rate of periodontal disease as well as a less extreme wear pattern. As a side note I should mention that periodontal diseases are those which affect the tissues that support and surround teeth.
I really wish that I could have accessed more information about this site, but even what I found was difficult to find. As well it appears that it is very hard to do archaeological work in New Zealand as the Maori people need to give consent and there does not appear to be many sites around New Zealand where work is taking place.
Buckley, H. R, Tayles, Nancy,. Halcrow, Siân E., Robb, Kasey., Fyfe Roger 2009. “The People of Wairau Bar: a Re-examination” Journal of Pacific Archaeology Vol 1:1.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Children's Grave's In Ross Bay Cemetery
View Children's Graves Ross Bay Cemetary in a larger map
1. Our data set was children's graves in Ross Bay Cemetery. Originally we started out with 21 graves and these were whittled down to 12 graves. The time period of the graves was from the late 1800's to the early 1900's.
2. What we were trying to discover with this monument analysis was the images associated with children's graves. As well as the time period these graves were located in and the area they were located in the cemetery.
3. In answer to the first question there appear to be many symbols representing innocence and purity located on the graves; such as lambs, children, angles, a rose bud as well as a baby chair with baby footies sitting on the chair. All of these images were associated in the Victorian era with innocence, purity and childhood (Corbin, 2010). However, there were several graves which did not have such markers, like the Japanese graves, which have a five petaled flower which I am not sure is just a generic picture of a flower or whether there is a symbolism behind that. Another one which appears to be different is Grave 12, as this one has a wreath and a flower of some plant I cannot identify, though probably has a symbolic value as most plants did in the Victorian era. As well it should be noted that not all of the markers have any images on the graves, some are simply markers with the name of child, their age at death and a saying which the parents wished to have inscribed on the grave.
It was noted that the children's grave's we looked at were all in either the late 1800's or early 1900's, the exceptions being when family members were reunited after the death of another member. Other than that these graves are almost 100 years old, as we were walking in the older part of the cemetery. It was interesting to note the number of children's graves located in the older section of the cemetery, for the mortality rate was higher in the Victorian and Edwardian era's. This was mainly caused by the poor nutrition and the economic circumstances of living in a colonial town (Bell, Millward, 2001).
Works Cited:
Corbin, Arthur. 2010. 'In Memoriam...Victorian Cemetery Photos' Available from:
<http://www.inmemoriam.nu/index.php?p=1_45_A-guide-to-Victorian-Cemetery-Symbolism>.[Febuary 11, 2011]
Frances Bell & Robert Millward 2001, "Infant Mortality in Victorian Britain: The Mother as Medium", Economic History Review, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 699-733.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Oprah
I was looking at a video for another anthropology class and came across this video.
http://www.theonion.com/video/oprah-invites-hundreds-of-lucky-fans-to-be-buried,18443/
It reminded me of what we were talking about in class last week about status and the different kinds there are and someone mentioned celebrity status. Now if there is a celebrity of the 20th and 21st century its Oprah. Her empire is worth millions if not a billion dollars and people love her and take her word literally with everything she says and does.
While watching this video I couldn't help it but wonder if this were true what would happen in several thousand years when all knowledge of Oprah is gone and archaeologists open up her tomb and discover her in a sarcophacus with hundreds of dead women lying out in front of her. What would they think of her? or those other women who are layed out in front of her?
Most likely they will think of her as a queen, for the amount of material goods left within her grave would be enourmas, though maybe not luxourious.
My interest however is more how the archaeologists would look at those women who are buried with Oprah. They would probably consider them to be servants, slaves or even members of her household who where either forced to or chose to die with their queen. It may be infered by the placement of the bodies that they are lying in wait for her, as they would be displayed in front of her in what may appear to be a chamber. Also it would be interesting from the archaeologists point of view that all of the women would be quite similar in age to each other.
By looking at the spoof of our own pop culture as well as how burial practices are viewed not only by the scientific community but also the public we can see that we may infer things about people or culture simply because we believe that a high status individual has a lot of grave goods and may have others buried with them to assist them in the after life is just one interpretation.
http://www.theonion.com/video/oprah-invites-hundreds-of-lucky-fans-to-be-buried,18443/
It reminded me of what we were talking about in class last week about status and the different kinds there are and someone mentioned celebrity status. Now if there is a celebrity of the 20th and 21st century its Oprah. Her empire is worth millions if not a billion dollars and people love her and take her word literally with everything she says and does.
While watching this video I couldn't help it but wonder if this were true what would happen in several thousand years when all knowledge of Oprah is gone and archaeologists open up her tomb and discover her in a sarcophacus with hundreds of dead women lying out in front of her. What would they think of her? or those other women who are layed out in front of her?
Most likely they will think of her as a queen, for the amount of material goods left within her grave would be enourmas, though maybe not luxourious.
My interest however is more how the archaeologists would look at those women who are buried with Oprah. They would probably consider them to be servants, slaves or even members of her household who where either forced to or chose to die with their queen. It may be infered by the placement of the bodies that they are lying in wait for her, as they would be displayed in front of her in what may appear to be a chamber. Also it would be interesting from the archaeologists point of view that all of the women would be quite similar in age to each other.
By looking at the spoof of our own pop culture as well as how burial practices are viewed not only by the scientific community but also the public we can see that we may infer things about people or culture simply because we believe that a high status individual has a lot of grave goods and may have others buried with them to assist them in the after life is just one interpretation.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
The Best Medicine
I think this week I’m going to talk about something Erin mentioned in class on Friday. As I’m not too interested in writing about Western Europe/North American funerary practices which are coming into style. I would like instead talk about her recommendation of us not thinking about death for a day this weekend. I think it is important for us as anthropologists to take a break every now and then from some of the topics we discuss for they can become distressing and may cause us to become depressed to be constantly surrounded by the dead.
Another important point I wish to discuss is similar to another point Erin made, we sometimes distance ourselves from the dead we see, especially in museums, we tend to forget that theses mummies were once people who had family and friends. I know that as researchers we need to maintain a certain level of distance to maintain to seen as objective.
However, I would argue that at the same time researchers need to realize that the mummy or skeleton is/was a person and should be treated as such. At the same the time it may become hard for an archaeologist to maintain distance if the body is similar in age, sex or reason of death to an individual known to the anthropologist.
In my opinion because death can be a touchy subject to people that when we are talking about it, not just in class but outside of it to people in general it is important to be serious, but to maybe contrast that with humour soon afterwards; depending on the people involved.
Another important point I wish to discuss is similar to another point Erin made, we sometimes distance ourselves from the dead we see, especially in museums, we tend to forget that theses mummies were once people who had family and friends. I know that as researchers we need to maintain a certain level of distance to maintain to seen as objective.
However, I would argue that at the same time researchers need to realize that the mummy or skeleton is/was a person and should be treated as such. At the same the time it may become hard for an archaeologist to maintain distance if the body is similar in age, sex or reason of death to an individual known to the anthropologist.
In my opinion because death can be a touchy subject to people that when we are talking about it, not just in class but outside of it to people in general it is important to be serious, but to maybe contrast that with humour soon afterwards; depending on the people involved.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Grave Goods
Personally I would rather be cremated, or have my body given to science than buried so I will try and give this my best shot. First I would like to be buried in my favorite jeans and a simple black shirt. As that is my most common appearance and would wish to maintain that look in the after life. For jewelry I would wish to be wearing the Maori symbol necklace I was given by my uncle while in New Zealand, for it reminds me of the fun I had their was well as the symbolic meaning behind it, which is eternal friendship.
Some objects I would wish to be buried with would be an image of my family emblem, which is a lion holding an anchor, in order for whoever found my body in the future to know that I am a part of that family and take pride in it. As well I would wish to be buried with a leather western bridle and a horseshoe. As I am rather obsessed with horses and western is my favorite riding style. I would also like something related to dogs-maybe a leash as they are also very important animals to me. I would not wish to be buried with either of these animals however, I would rather they still be living than accompany me. I would also like to be buried with books, however I’m not sure if I’m able to pick just one, instead maybe a collection of several books in different genres which I continue to read. Maybe some English Lit, and Canadian History as well as a favorite children’s book (Black Beauty-no surprise there!)
Talking to friends they would add a field hockey stick, as I have played for 13 years and I’m quite competitive about sports.
So what this says about me is that I am an outdoorsy, competitive woman who loves reading and is proud of her heritage. I think I can live with that (pun intended).
Some objects I would wish to be buried with would be an image of my family emblem, which is a lion holding an anchor, in order for whoever found my body in the future to know that I am a part of that family and take pride in it. As well I would wish to be buried with a leather western bridle and a horseshoe. As I am rather obsessed with horses and western is my favorite riding style. I would also like something related to dogs-maybe a leash as they are also very important animals to me. I would not wish to be buried with either of these animals however, I would rather they still be living than accompany me. I would also like to be buried with books, however I’m not sure if I’m able to pick just one, instead maybe a collection of several books in different genres which I continue to read. Maybe some English Lit, and Canadian History as well as a favorite children’s book (Black Beauty-no surprise there!)
Talking to friends they would add a field hockey stick, as I have played for 13 years and I’m quite competitive about sports.
So what this says about me is that I am an outdoorsy, competitive woman who loves reading and is proud of her heritage. I think I can live with that (pun intended).
Thursday, January 6, 2011
The Beginning
My name is Helen Ellison and I am a third year Anthropology and Sociology major from Uvic. I decided to take this course as while looking through the courses offered this semester the title grabbed my eye as well as the help complete my Archeology requirement for my Anthropology major. I have always been interested in how people not only treat the dead but how death is received by the different cultures whether negative or positive. Also the insights into a culture which can be obtained through studying how they treated their dead. I am interested in Maori and the different peoples of the British Iles and their changing funerary rights.
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