Anthropology 392: Beyond the Grave

Captains Blog,

First blog entry. The date is 1/6/2011.

 It has been two days since my assignment has been known to me and my fellow peers. Now it is time I must reflect alone, on the reasons why I am so determined to complete the blog mission of exploring archaeology beyond the grave. What is it that sparks my curiosity of wanting to learn more about the cultural practices and rituals the living perform in commemoration of the dead?

I suppose the reason I enrolled myself in this course stems from the recognition that I am a living person who loves and is loved. I am a woman that will one day die and when that day comes I would like to think that my loved ones will commemorate me, honour me, and provide a marker of where I am buried.  I would like to be buried so that hundreds of years from my now my ancestors will know that I existed and that they have a history because of me.

I am interested in this class because I want to know more about my own cultural story which is revealed to archaeologists through the excavation of burials and through the analysis of funeral inclusions. I believe this course will supply meaning to the artifacts that are found at burial sites and will teach me how to respect the people who lived in the past. My goal for this class is to become a voice for the dead and an heir to their story.  

One of my main areas of interests in the field of archaeology is primarily Celtic, particularly Le Tene and Hallstatt culture. In the discipline of history I am most interested in Scotland and Ireland because that is where my family originated before immigrating to Canada. When I visited the places my great grandparents grew up I felt a strange sense of belonging. My crazed obsession with the British Isles has led me to apply to UVIC’s outgoing exchange program for next fall and or spring semester. I hope in the near future to study at Stirling University or Exeter University.

I look forward to meeting and working with my fellow archaeologists this semester and wish everyone luck in our exploration of death and the afterlife.

Adieu,

Megan Dicks