Secondary Disposal of the Dead: Cross-Cultural Codes

World Cultures • Vol/Iss. 12(1) • Unknown • • Published In • Pages: 77-94 •
By Schroeder, Sissel

Abstract

Secondary disposal of the dead has been defined as the intentional manipulation and reburial of human remains and is largely ignored in the larger archaeology of death. These types of ceremonies show worldwide variation and may play a larger undocumented role in burial rites and ceremonies. This study attempts to shed some light on this role and serves to disprove some current theories about its emergence. Future studies should take into account inheritance or descent practices and key resource fixity.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
eHRAF World CulturesResearcher's OwnUsed all SCCS cases in eHRAF World Cultures to code from
Standard Cross Cultural Sample (SCCS)CombinationAuthor coded new variables in addition to testing previous variables from past researchers

Hypotheses (4)

HypothesisSupported
The incidence of secondary disposal will be low in sedentary societies (88)Not Supported
Nomadic bands will be more likely to exhibit secondary treatment than sedentary societies (88)Not Supported
Secondary disposal will occur more frequently among logistically mobile hunter-gatherers than among residentially mobile hunter-gatherers (88)Not Supported, but in predicted direction
Secondary disposal will be related to food shortage (89)Not Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: hattie.berke