Throughout history, civilizations have developed unique practices and rituals to commemorate the passing of loved ones, often incorporating material objects that carry deep symbolic value. The symbolic significance of material culture within ceremonial or personal spaces reveals how people construct meaning around specific rites and rituals through the use of objects and artifacts that hold particular significance within these ritual spaces. These objects encompass personal belongings, clothing, burial items, commemorative artifacts, and sacred symbols. This paper delves into the realm of material culture within death rites, focusing on the Pnar people of Nangbah, Meghalaya, specifically the population within the community that follow the Ñiam Tre belief system.
The study explores the symbolic significance of material culture in Pnar death rites, illuminating the objects and artifacts utilized during these ceremonies. The paper investigates how material culture within death rites establishes connections between the living and the dead and how these objects exist in an “in-between” space, symbolizing respect and veneration for the deceased while bridging the gap between the physical and spiritual realms.
The impact of globalization and contemporary social forces on the utilization and preservation of material culture within Pnar death rituals is also explored. By examining the symbolism and significance of material culture in death rites, this research provides insights into the Pnar community’s attitudes towards death, their concepts of the afterlife, and their cultural beliefs. It highlights the role of material culture in preserving collective memory, reinforcing shared traditions, and fostering a sense of community within the ritual space of death. Exploring the intricate relationship between material objects and the spiritual realm, the paper aims to also shed light on the impact of material culture on the grieving process and the construction of cultural identity within the context of death rites.
