Using funerary archaeology to support wellbeing and build resilience: Continuing Bonds
Channel: Recording Archaeology
Date: 11/01/2024

Using funerary archaeology to support wellbeing and build resilience: Continuing Bonds; Dying to Talk and BReaTHe (Building Resilience Through Heritage)

In this session, three projects will be briefly introduced which seek to use archaeology and heritage to promote wellbeing. The Continuing Bonds and Dying to Talk projects each use funerary archaeology as a prompt to talking about death and bereavement, topics which can been difficult to broach and are subject to many societal ‘taboos’. It is widely recognised (by the NHS and World Health Organisation, among others) that normalising talk about dying can aid those at the end of life and their families, encouraging discussions about intentions and advance planning. Funerary archaeology can be a safe way in to discussing death, intrigued by practices which are different from own, conversations are sparked which quickly lead to sharing of experiences, fears and wishes. The projects help to normalise talk of the dead, building resilience.

The BReaTHe project uses similar principles, with archaeology and heritage (tangible and intangible, along with digital heritage) used for social wellbeing and cohesion, particularly in host and refugee communities.

These projects highlight the role that archaeology and heritage can play for wellbeing, social cohesion and building resilience.


Dr. Karina Croucher, Senior Lecturer in Archaeology, University of Bradford