Commemoration and Consumption in Mid-Nineteenth Century Cemeteries of Cazenovia, New York

Summary

This is an abstract from the "SAA 2023: Individual Abstracts" session, at the 88th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

Cemeteries and grave monuments serve as important elements in the construction of personal and community identities, contributing to the shaping of public memory. This research utilizes historic documents, site surveys, and GIS mapping to explore the prevalence and significance of nineteenth century grave monuments signed with makers’ marks within the cemeteries surrounding Cazenovia, New York. While mortuary topics are popular amongst historical archaeologists, recent gravestone studies have more often been the work of art historians. Combining the material culture historian’s interest in object biography and micro-history with archaeological methods allows this research to address questions of class and gender performance at both individual and community-level scales, broadening perspectives on commemorative practices in nineteenth century Upstate New York. Understanding the role of conspicuous mortuary consumption through elaborate grave monuments signed by artisans will also reveal patterns of commerce between residents of Cazenovia and nearby larger cities, such as Syracuse and Utica. These patterns illuminate community ties and individual choices in the adoption of mortuary trends, making clear the complex and interwoven relationships between rural and urban lives.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• SAA 2023: Individual Abstracts   •
• Society for American Archaeology 88th Annual Meeting, Portland, OR (2023)

Keywords

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 36705.0