The outgoing phase took place at the University of Wollongong (UOW) in Australia. The Centre for Archaeological Science (CAS) at the University of Wollongong (UOW) in Australia is the first archaeological department with a so called ‘Body Farm’: the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research (AFTER). Controlled and repetitive experiments of human body decomposition from the moment of death, create the opportunity to expand the methodological principles of funerary archaeology.
Neolithic and delayed burial practices were modelled by intentional natural mummification and subsequent burial, by adding lime and gypsum to the burials, by adding lime to a surface deposition and by comparing the results to control donors. In addition, I sampled another 18 surface donors for bone degradation studies. This study shows that a broad knowledge base is fundamental in the field of archaeothanatology. Archaeo-anthropologists require knowledge about all stages of decomposition, factors that influence decay and bone movement, and about degradation of different materials. By observing and analysing the grave, its content, its site context and beyond, the archaeo-anthropologist should distinguish which phenomena have an anthropogenic cause and determine what that reveals about human behaviour. This interpretation should be based on multiple arguments. The experimental part of the study has highlighted that human remains should be analysed in their broader depositional context. It also emphasises a critical use of terms and methods, and the integration of interdisciplinary approaches such as forensic experiments and modern cemetery studies. The Neolithic part of the study added new insights into complex mortuary management of the dead. The observed associations between pigments, human remains and architectural paintings provide insights into pigment application methods, social relationships among inhabitants, and the existence of selective practices potentially driven by social differentiation within this community. This study highlights that dynamic mortuary actions were integrated into a variety of social practices as shown by the tertiary depositions and their significant correlation with buildings containing architectural paintings.
The results of this study were published in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters, presented at conferences and shared in organised workshops. This project also resulted in the publication of an edited book entitled ‘The Routledge Handbook for Archaeothanatology’ published by Routledge. Dissemination to the general public was covered through you tube videos, tweets, Science Events and workshops about past funerary practices.
