Archaeothanatology and forensic experiments for a better understanding of mortuary practices
Abstract
This presentation will introduce the principles of archaeothanatology as a key analytical framework for the interpretation of funerary contexts and discuss how it can be applied to the study of differential mortuary treatment in archaeological assemblages. Drawing on experimental work conducted at two dedicated taphonomy research facilities, the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research (AFTER, Sydney) and the Research in Experimental and Social Thanatology facility (REST, Canada), Schotsmans will explore how experiments with human body donors can aid with method validation (disarticulation sequences, histotaphonomy), the interpretation of mortuary treatments (mummification, plaster burials, colourants application) and forensic casework. The experimental insights will be applied to selected archaeological cases, demonstrating how a combined field and experimental approach can shed new light on selective mortuary practices in Southwest Asia and beyond.
About the Presenter
Dr Eline Schotsmans
Dr Eline Schotsmans is a Research Fellow at the University of Wollongong. Her research lies at the interface between archaeology, biological anthropology and forensic sciences, with a focus on Neolithic mortuary sequences, preservation practices, taphonomy and experimental method development at forensic taphonomy facilities. Beyond archaeology, she has served as a forensic expert on over 20 criminal cases in collaboration with Belgian, British and Australian police forces.
About Archaeology Working Papers
The Working Papers in Archaeology seminar series provides a forum for dissemination of archaeological research and ideas amongst UQ archaeology students and staff. All students are invited to attend the series and postgraduate students, from honours upwards, are invited to present their research. The aim is to provide opportunities for students, staff and those from outside UQ, to present and discuss their work in an informal environment. It is hoped that anyone interested in current archaeological directions, both within and outside the School and University, will be able to attend and contribute to the series.