Monument Analysis

Over the past few weeks myself and two group members had been working on a "monument analysis" assignment which entailed doing some field work at a cemetery in Victoria. Since I LOVE cemeteries, and my group members didn't really have a strong opinion either way, I got to pick which cemetery we would use for our study. I chose the Jewish cemetery, which just happens to be my favourite cemetery in the city! It's quaint and quiet, and even though it has been in use for over 150 years, you can still walk from one end to the other in a minute. It holds a lot of history that most people wouldn't know about, and, of course, it contains my favourite headstone tucked away in the back corner which reads "Old and Grey and Full of Sleep". So simple, so brilliant.

Anyway, for this assignment we had to come up with research questions, related in some capacity to the cemetery and monuments within it, and through investigation and data assessment we were supposed to try and make preliminary conclusions for those questions. Our assignment focused on the obelisk and column shaped monuments in the cemetery, of which there were twelve in total. We asked two questions, one about the time period the monuments were popular in, and one about the number of individuals represented by a single monument. The most interesting thing for me was that based on only preliminary research we were able to come to some conclusions, which I was doubtful that we would be able to do. It turns out that there was a specific time period that was associated with our group of monuments. I was able to find published articles which backed up our findings, which I though was awesome, because it made me feel like we had actually done a proper analysis for our assignment. Our second question which related to the amount of people buried in connection to a single monument was intriguing because although we were able to come to a definitive conclusion yet again (!!), it is also possible, that if the dataset we had been working with hadn't have been so small, our conclusion may not have been so easily reached. We were able to come to the conclusion that the monuments were more characteristic of group "units" buried rather than these monuments being for single individuals, however, in my opinion these figures could be coincidences based on a handful of different factors, such as family members dying in overseas battles, or on the mainland where they could have been buried along the Gold Rush trade routes, as many Vancouver Island Jewish families in the second half of the 19th century were shop owners in mining areas (Yes, these dates go back to the West Coast Gold rush! (Cool, no?!).

But I digress,

I found the outcome of the last question to be fascinating, because it really showed that you really can't make general conclusions when it comes to research. And, yes, of course I knew that before, but it is just interesting to think that if I hadn't thought about our conclusion critically, it may have been possible to try and make a blanket statement about either other monuments in the cemetery, or even other cemeteries in the city or further! It showed me in a sense that it is important to look into the background research of studies I read or am interested in so that I don't make the mistake of making generalizations or misjudgments on future research I may be involved in. This project was definitely a good field work experience for me because it forced me to think critically and dig deeper into things (even if we only did a small amount of research), in order to make sure you are presenting the most accurate information possible. As for as school work goes, I really enjoyed that project.


Here is a picture of my FAVOURITE headstone ever.It's in the southeast corner of the cemetery near the fence! I always visit him when I go! It's exactly the type of gravestone I'd expect for myself if I do indeed end up with one.








Here is the URL to our Google map of the cemetery, if anyone is interested!

 

Cremation Tattoos

Hello again, So, I was originally going to talk about something else, but then I came across this video, and decided this would be more interesting to talk about. Video So, what this video is (for those of you who would rather read instead, here it is link ), is a new clip (from 2011) talking about the growing popularity in the US (and I assume Canada, as well) of getting tattoos with cremation ashes in them in order to literally carry a part of the commemorated loved one with you forever. This means that a small percentage of ash is mixed in with the ink, and administered into the blood stream with the dye. Despite the health adviser's cynicism in the clip, she agrees that it can be a safe process if done properly, and if there are no following complications. I wanted to check to see if this actually was a blossoming thing here in North America, and I found a few blogs where people seem to be all over it! 1 2 From what I gather, it can be totally safe as long as the ashes are sterile (one way is through the use of a "cremulator"). If they are incinerated properly (hot enough to burn off any lingering diseases or pathogens, etc) then they can be used without serious health risks. The risks that remain are the same as those with any tattoo: rejection by the body to the foreign substance, which can result in complications in the healing process. The blogs I looked at mentioned cremated pets as frequently as humans. As far as the blogs have concluded, people have, and continue to get pets ink on them as well. Some states have restrictions on this kind of procedure, but many states will allow it, as long as the process is done in a safe, sterile matter. It can be hard, judging again, from the blogs, to find a tattoo artist who will do this kind of procedure, but they can be found!! What do you think, are you going to be getting your beloved pet tattooed IN to you forever?

Jewish Cemetery Google Map

Hello!

Kelsey, Steve and I created a Google map of the Victoria, B.C. Jewish cemetery. Check it out!



View Jewish Cemetery Assignment in a larger map

Grave goods

Grave goods..

What goodies would I take with me to my grave? This is a hard one I suppose since I don't really have any hobbies. Or talents to show for. I guess I couldn't bring a piece of sports equipment or an instrument or a chefs hat, or a microphone or.. well you get the point. My talents are slim. But I suppose the things I do love, I love a lot. Unfortunately, the 'things' I love the most are still actively breathing (thankfully), so I think I'll have to be symbolic, if not to be morbid.
Well, anyone I'm close with would most likely give you similar answers to the ones I put out here, perhaps in the next blog post I'll ask a roommate or a family member.

What would I bring?...

I suppose each thing should implicate what we'd like to share with those digging up my grave, although the things I'm bringing will not all last the testament of time, as well, some may not be so straight forward, but nothing in archaeology is straight forward, so why not join the bandwagon?

1. I'd bring my brothers. ...Or at least a photo of us, they are my best friends and my older brothers and I love them to death (...literally)
2. I'd need a cat with me.. but since I'm not yet a crazy cat lady, (although perhaps I would be by this point..) I guess I could bring something that expresses my crazy cat lady tenancies, such as my bedazzled cat sweater, instead of forcing a cat into a grave with me. or one of my cat cups.. I have mugs with cats on them that I am very fond of (although I don't have any pictures of them.. .. how cool is my sweater?

3. Earrings. I must have earrings. I don't wear very much jewellery, but I fell naked without earrings. I'd insist upon my wire earrings with the green/brown stones. My brother bought them for me in Nicaragua (my favourite place that I have travelled to) and they just remind me of such fun times when we travelled around the country.. oh, how I love to travel. All of my friends could recognize my earrings instantly, what better to have in my grave then something so personal?
4. A deck of cards.. or two. I LOVE to play cards. I could play for hours and hours and hours and be perfectly content. I'll pretty much play until my opponent begs me to stop. Also a great way to pass the time while travelling.
5. A map of the earth. I love maps. I love knowing where things are. I like maps. I have them all over my walls. I also love atlases.. perhaps one of those would be better.. perhaps an atlas would be best. there are more maps within an atlas.. although I could rap myself in a large map of the world and be all comfy and warm.
6. Mittens! I have horrific circulations and I ALWAYS have mittens with me. How could I break pattern when I'm stuck in the damp ground for eternity. I will definitely need mittens!!

Well, I suppose this blog makes me seem a little bit more crazy than sentimental.. but, that's just who I am, I suppose. I will try and ask my friends what they think would suit me. Hopefully with similar, or more interesting results!

Until next time!