Case Study: Diasporic Burial Practices in Kingston, Jamaica- An Archaeological Perspective
Diasporic Burial Practices in Kingston, Jamaica: An Archaeological Perspective
Research by Christina Benton, of CHRIS (Cultural Heritage Resource Impact Solutions, Inc.)
Introduction
Christina Benton’s research comparing southeastern plantation culture to Caribbean plantation culture originated from her 2012 Fulbright scholar grant to Kingston, Jamaica, where she examined the materiality of Jamaican cemeteries. Initially focused on enslaved African burial sites, the research evolved into a comparative study of the burial practices of various diasporic groups in Jamaica. Benton’s work explores how material culture—such as grave markers, monuments, and burial practices—reflects the historical, cultural, and social dynamics of these communities. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of cemetery preservation as a means of honoring and safeguarding the legacy of marginalized groups.
Research Overview: Shifting Focus to Diasporic Burial Practices
The original intent of the project was to study the burial sites of enslaved Africans in Jamaica. However, due to practical limitations, including funding and the lack of preserved African burial sites in the Kingston area, the scope of the research was broadened to include all diasporic burial practices. Kingston, as a culturally rich and diverse city, provided a fertile ground for this exploration. This shift in focus allowed for a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of burial practices shaped by the varied cultural backgrounds of its residents.
By surveying eight cemeteries in Kingston, Benton applied methods of landscape and mortuary archaeology to examine burial site placement and the materials used, considering both geological and historical factors. These burial grounds, Benton argues, reflect the prevailing attitudes and social dynamics regarding race, gender, religion, and public health over time.
Understanding Mortuary Studies in Archaeology
Mortuary studies within archaeology examine the rituals, material culture, and spatial organization of burial sites to understand the social and cultural structures of past societies. Although the study of death dates back to the early 19th century, it was in the 1970s that the field saw significant developments in both theory and methodology. Researchers like Saxe (1970) and Binford (1971) revolutionized the field by shifting the focus from mere excavation to understanding social dimensions embedded in burial practices.
These studies aim to reveal the ways in which burial practices, whether through material culture, landscape features, or rituals, represent the identity and social structures of the deceased and their communities. As Bell (1994) asserts, while archaeological records may be incomplete, they provide invaluable insights into the social constructs of the time.
Theoretical Frameworks in Mortuary Archaeology
Modern frameworks in mortuary archaeology stress the importance of context and comparative analysis. Barbara Little (1997) emphasizes understanding burial practices within the unique historical and cultural context of each site. This multi-scalar approach examines both the site-specific and broader cultural contexts of burial sites, offering a more comprehensive understanding of social identity and group dynamics.
Benton’s research combines these frameworks, integrating both material culture and landscape symbolism to explore how burial practices inform the identities of deceased individuals and the communities they belonged to. By examining these practices through a social anthropology lens, Benton uncovers the ways in which identity was negotiated through death rituals and burial customs.
Exploring Identity through Mortuary Practices
The concept of identity plays a crucial role in understanding burial practices, especially in the context of diasporic groups. In early colonial Jamaica, the dislocation of people from their homelands created a complex and evolving process of identity formation. Enslaved Africans, like other groups, maintained ties to their cultural heritage while adapting to new environments and societal structures.
Through Benton’s research, it becomes clear that burial practices were one of the primary ways through which these communities expressed and redefined their identities. In Jamaica, the negotiation of identity was essential not only for survival but also as a means of preserving cultural practices that were crucial to maintaining a sense of belonging.
Mortuary Practices of Diasporic Groups in Kingston
Benton’s survey of Kingston’s cemeteries revealed a rich diversity of burial practices, each reflecting the unique cultural histories of different diasporic communities.
Jewish Burial Practices
The Hunts Bay Cemetery, established in the 17th century, contains the earliest Jewish burials in Kingston. These burials, marked with Hebrew inscriptions, reflect the strong religious identity of the Jewish community. Over time, the inscriptions transitioned from Hebrew to Spanish, Portuguese, and English, mirroring the community’s evolving social and national identity.
Christian and Afro-Jamaican Burial Practices
The St. Andrew Parish Church Cemetery, the largest in Kingston, provides insight into how burial practices evolved as Christianity took a more prominent role in the lives of enslaved and freed Afro-Jamaicans. Early graves were marked with simple slabs, but as the 18th and 19th centuries progressed, wealthier families began using elaborate marble markers, signaling a shift in the expression of status and social identity.
Enslaved African Burial Practices
Enslaved Africans in Kingston were buried in informal laborer villages or near their homes. The lack of visible markers at these sites suggests that perishable materials were used to construct grave markers, which did not survive over time. This practice reflects the lack of societal recognition and the marginalization of enslaved individuals, a stark contrast to the elaborate markers used by the colonial elite.
Chinese and East Indian Burial Practices
Following the arrival of Chinese and East Indian indentured workers, distinct burial practices emerged. Early Chinese burials were similar to colonial practices, but by 1911, the Chinese Cemetery in Kingston marked a shift, incorporating both Chinese characters and English on gravestones. Similarly, East Indian immigrants initially practiced cremation, but as they assimilated, they began to adopt Christian burial customs.
Conclusion: The Cultural Significance of Burial Practices
Benton’s research highlights the role of burial practices as a window into the social and cultural dynamics of Kingston’s diverse population. The cemeteries in Kingston serve as key sites for understanding how diasporic groups navigated their dual identities, preserving cultural traditions while adapting to the colonial environment. Through the study of these cemeteries, Benton underscores the importance of cemetery preservation, not only as a means of protecting the physical sites but also as a way to honor and understand the legacy of the people buried there.
Copyright Information
© 2024 CHRIS (Cultural Heritage Resource Impact Solutions, Inc.). All rights reserved.
For citation or reproduction, please contact Christina Benton at info@chris3inc.com. Unauthorized use or reproduction without permission is prohibited.