From an archaeobotanical investigation of ancient food remnants found in a Chinese cemetery: "In the past, plant materials were an important constituent of funerary objects. In fact, some cereals were carefully packaged or stored in earthen pots or small bags, and buried in the tombs for further use by the deceased; some plant materials were discovered in objects of daily use, e.g., stalks of Triticum aestivum used for the filling of pillows." [Bold added.]
It's funny to hear something as mundane as pillow-stuffing material referred to by its elaborate Latin name. Even pillows meant for the dearly departed must be very ordinary, unglamorous items. After all, wouldn't that be part of their function: familiarity and reassurance for a scared and wandering soul?
If I allow myself a further flight of fancy, it's easy to imagine future researchers analyzing the content of my own "modern" domestic objects. What conclusions might they draw? Hmm. . .
// Kristopha Hohn //
// Lucy Orloski //
// Amanda Hamilton //
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts.