Ologies with Alie Ward Taphology (GRAVESITES) with Robyn S. Lacy
11 snips
Oct 27, 2021 Join archaeologist Robyn S. Lacy, a taphologist with a passion for gravestone symbols and preservation, as she explores the fascinating world of cemeteries. Discover the difference between graveyards and cemeteries, and whether picnicking in one is acceptable. Robyn shares insights on the emotional effects of tombstone scrubbing, fun font trends, and her love for 'Zinkies.' Get ready for a light-hearted dive into grave marker history, the dos and don'ts of gravestone cleaning, and the rich stories behind those resting beneath the stones.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Cemetery Rebrand
- A cemetery is a rebranded term from the 1830s meaning "sleeping place" in Greek.
- It reflects a shift towards a rural garden aesthetic in burial spaces.
African Burial Ground
- The African Burial Ground in New York City contains 15,000 skeletal remains of enslaved and free Africans.
- Its discovery challenged historical assumptions about enslavement in the area.
Coffins vs. Caskets
- Caskets are four-sided and square, while coffins are six-sided and tapered.
- The Civil War's bloodshed popularized embalming and shifted preference from coffins to caskets.
