Funerary Anthropology

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

Teaching methodologies include theoretical lectures with presentation of "PowerPoints". In practical classes specific methodologies are accompanied by practical exercises, individual and in group, with the purpose of  the enforcement that are taught. In classes of fieldwork some questions are about this specific type of work are addressed.

Learning Outcomes

This course aims to equip students with essential knowledge about the excavation of human skeletal remains, one of the first steps in the study of skeletal remains from the past. Emphasis will also be given to specific methodologies for particular funerary contexts that require a tailored approach  in field and in the laboratory in order to prepare students for this type of research.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

This course aims to provide students with essential knowledge about the excavation of human skeletal remains, one of the first steps in the study of skeletal remains from past population. Emphasis will also be given to particular methodologies for particular funerary contexts that require a specific approach or in the field or in the laboratory in order to prepare students for this type of research.

Topics covered include:

- The burial practices over time: historical summary;

- Extrinsic and intrinsic taphonomical factors;

- Particular types of burial practices: specific methodologies for their study;

- Estimation of the minimum number of individuals in commingled funerary contexts;

- The specificity of collective burials and cremations funerary contexts.

Head Lecturer(s)

Ana Maria Gama da Silva

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Laboratory work or Field work: 30.0%
Exam: 70.0%

Bibliography

Silva, AM  (2012), Antropologia funerária e Paleobiologia das populações Portuguesas (Litorais) do Neolítico final/Calcolítico. Textos Universitários de Ciências Sociais e Humanas. Lisboa, FCG e FCT.

Duday, H. (2006). "Archaeotanatology of the archaeology of death". In: Gowland, R. e Knussel, C. (ed.). Social Archaeology of funerary remains. Oxbow Books. pp. 30-57.

Henderson  J. 1987. Factors determining the state of preservation of human remains. In: Boddington A.; Garland AN; Janaway, RC (ed.). Death, decay  and reconstruction: approaches to archaeology and forensic science. Manchester, Manchester University Press: 127 - 148).

Roksandik, M (2002). Position of skeletal remains as key to understanding mortuary behavior. In: William D. HAGLUND, Marcella H. SORG (eds.). Advances in Forensic Taphonomy,pp. 95-113.