Funeral Culture: AIDS, Work, and Cultural Change in an African Kingdom

In Swaziland, the HIV/AIDS pandemic has shaped modern practices of living and dying, including new funeral feasts, life insurance, and the kingdom's first crematorium. Anthropologist Casey Golomski's ethnography explores how these practices have become embedded in people's daily lives and contribute to a quest for dignity in the face of the epidemic.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 04 June 2018
Publisher: Indiana University Press

In Swaziland, the profound impact of the global HIV/AIDS pandemic on contemporary forms of living and dying cannot be overstated. Anthropologist Casey Golomski emphasizes this connection in his insightful ethnography, shedding light on the remarkable story of 15 years of global collaboration in treatment and intervention within Africa's last absolute monarchy. This narrative encompasses the experiences of ordinary individuals who face the challenging task of caring for the sick, providing end-of-life care, and burying the deceased. Golomski's ethnography vividly showcases how AIDS posed profound questions about the value of life, culture, and materiality, leading to the emergence of new funeral practices and rituals. These practices, including the provision of funeral feasts, the expansion of the life insurance market, and the establishment of the kingdom's first crematorium, have now become conspicuous features of the landscape and culturally disruptive in a highly traditionalist setting.

This powerful and original account delves into the intricate ways in which these new matters of death, dying, and funerals have become deeply ingrained in the daily lives of individuals and have become integral to their quest for dignity in the face of a devastating epidemic. Golomski's ethnography offers a unique perspective on the complex interplay between global health crises, cultural traditions, and individual experiences, providing valuable insights into the ongoing challenges and opportunities faced by communities in the aftermath of such crises.

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253036452