Abstract

Background: A human comprises body, soul and spirit; following death, the body left behind must be disposed.  Terrestrial interment is favourite amongst kinsfolks and Anatomy as a discipline has a role by way of archaeology, forensics and training.  This study inquired about practices in Nigeria and specifically into body decomposition, cemeteries’ potential for groundwater contamination, and gestural sign of artefacts in archaeologic auditing.

Methods: A proforma with socio-demographics and burial characteristics designed and performed in Southwestern, Nigeria. Burial depths were measured with tape after gaining consent from relations. Collation and analysis of data by statistical package for social sciences.

Results: Burial grounds of 307 were randomly explored within a year with male-to-female ratio of 3 to 2; Christianity 246(80.1%), Islam 43(14.0%), African Traditional Religions 15(4.9%) and others 3(1.0%); Diseases and old age were major causes of death and 67.1% had embalmment and delayed burial. Graves were mainly of sandy soil with mean depth 5.40 feet. Over 70% of burial vaults were uncemented and incorporation of artefacts in only 26.4%. Time of burial proved sine qua non to choice and mode of embalmment.

Conclusion:  Largely sandy soil favoured decomposition to maceration. The significant deeper depth favoured sanitization while coffination and internment in uncemented burial vaults favoured maceration. Potential to contaminate underground water was reduced with respect to most graves sited on plain ground. Incorporation of artefacts was commoner amongst people practicing African Traditional Religions. A need to create and involve Inspectors of Anatomy in matters related to human remains is suggested.