PhD in Funerary Archaeology

University of Sheffield

Our funerary archaeology research cluster explores the ritual activities that humanity has used to negotiate the transition from life to death throughout time. We seek to explore all aspects of the funerary record, drawing on evidence from multiple scales including skeletal remains, grave furnishings, burial form, funerary commemoration, standing structures and landscapes integrating these more widely with historical records where possible. We are interested in questions concerning the nature and expression of individual and group identity in both life and death, and social connections evidenced through mortuary behaviour. We have particular strengths in periods spanning the last millennium and in both the study of childhood through funerary remains and in the ritual use of animals.