Unusual Death and Memorialization

Most cultures and societies have their own customs and traditions of treating their dead. In the past, some deceased received a burial that deviated from tradition. The reasons for unusual burial could result from reasons such as outbreaks of epidemics or wars, or from premature births, distinctive social status, or disability. Authors present a selection of cases addressing the issue of unusual deaths, burials, or ways to remember the deceased. Chapters explore theoretical views related to social memory of death and memorializing the deceased and their resting places during modern period. The case studies introduce varied views on ‘otherness’ that are visible in burial customs and memorialization.

Titta Kallio-Seppä (PhD) works as a Museum Director at the Museum of Tornio Valley, Finland. She specializes in historical archaeology, urban archaeology, dendrochronology, and material culture of churches.

Sanna Lipkin is University Researcher at the University of Oulu, Finland. She specializes in the past childhood, funerary archaeology and textile research.

Tiina Väre is a post-doctoral researcher (Academy of Finland) at the University of Oulu, Finland. Her main fields of specialty are related to osteology, paleopathology, mummy studies, historical burial culture, and stable isotopes.

Ulla Moilanen is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki, Finland, specialized in burial practices in Early Medieval and Medieval Finland.

Annemari Tranberg (PhD) is an archaeologist and macrofossil researcher. She specializes in environmental and historical archaeology, archeoentomology, garden history, industrial environments, and culture of death. She works as an archaeologist at the Museum of Tornio Valley.