Thesis (M.Ed.) --University of Limpopo, 2009

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The gendered construction of mourning and cleansing rites of widowhood was studied amongst the Zulu community of Ndwedwe, 70 kilometres north of Durban in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. These cultural rites were investigated through in-depth interviews with six widowers and twelve widows. Respondents were asked about their experiences and perceptions regarding their compliance to the two rites. An analysis of these experiences, which were translated and transcribed into English, was carried out, using studies from other cultures internationally and locally as reference point, for the study. It was revealed that mourning rites, which follow death of a spouse can be stressful for both genders and must be observed strictly by the use of black or any mourning dress. The period of mourning is characterised by isolation and stigmatisation especially for the widows. Cleansing is a symbolic act that purifies all members of the household from defilement by death. This is done for all relatives following burial but a widow remains impure not less than one year of 'successful' mourning in most cases, before she is cleansed and is then absolved into society's normal life. This study has revealed that mourning and cleansing rites have psychological and physical health implications for both genders but with more negative impacts on widows than widowers. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, 2003.

This study has presented a comprehensive overview of the context and significance of real and effigy bear canine artifacts in Hopewell context. The evidence suggests that burials with bear canine artifacts and additional grave goods in an extended position contained high status individuals. These burials contained the remains of males or male children, with status differences evident in both burial position and quantity of grave goods. Bear canine artifacts found in non-burials contexts were primarily found in "ceremonial caches." The inclusion of bear canine artifacts in such caches is indicative of their spiritual importance in Hopewell culture. Modification, including drilling, splitting and piercing of bear canine artifacts occurred in all five regions where these artifacts were found. This was the only class of data that spanned all five regions. Data from burials indicates that these artifacts were commonly used as a form of adornment, especially necklaces. Evidence from a burial at Hopewell Mounds points to an ideological, religious function for these artifacts. Much of the data for effigy bear canine artifacts correlates with t--at of real canines, and they appear to have served the same function. Since people chose to manufacture these artifacts rather than do without indicates that the meaning behind the image represented by bear canine may be more important than the artifact itself. / Department of Anthropology

Chultuns have served as a source of curious debate for most Maya archaeological projects. Although there is great speculation about the function(s) served by the chultuns, few theories are concrete. This study attempted to determine the specific use of chultuns as relevant to this particular site. During the 1989 field season at Caracol excavations were carried out in six chultuns. A team composed of one student and several workman were assigned to investigate each group. At least one test pit was placed within each group to search for other diagnostic material to compare with the artifacts recovered from the chultun. The data collected indicates that the chultuns of Caracol were primarily related to a burial function. However, the possibility cannot be ruled out that a different function was intended for these features and that they were only used as burial chambers when they were about to be abandoned. / Department of Anthropology

Access to abstract permanently restricted to Ball State community only / Access to thesis permanently restricted to Ball State community only / Department of Anthropology

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