William Tegg 1876
The treatment of the dead through burial, cremation, preservation, and exposure of the body to carrion-feeders or the elements reflects a diversity of attitudes and beliefs about death and what it means. It is also a practical way of controlling the decomposition of the corpse.
While there is evidence that some animals are aware of death and even mourn their dead, humans are the only species who mark the event. This can be the simple placement of the body in a shallow grave or far more elaborate rituals associated with honouring the dead that can last years.
Copyright © Australian Museum, 2008
