Unangax̂ Mummies As Whalers -- Kathy Day
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Unangax̂ Mummies as Whalers: A Multidisciplinary Contextualization of Human Mummification in the Aleutian Islands A thesis submitted to the University of Wales Trinity Saint David in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Kathleen Day Dr. Penny Dransart April 2019 ii Unangax̂ Mummies as Whalers: A Multidisciplinary Contextualization of Human Mummification in the Aleutian Islands ABSTRACT This thesis provides an analysis of Unangax̂ (Aleut) mummification in the context of their other methods of body deposition. It explores the hypothesis that whalers and their families belonged to an ancient shamanistic whaling complex that existed throughout coastal regions that practiced whaling. This thesis presents an explanation pertaining to the reasons behind mummification and serves as an organized compilation of the most pertinent past and recent data regarding Unangax̂ mortuary customs and rituals. A multidisciplinary approach is used that combines social anthropological theory, archaeological data, and ethnohistorical records. The known methods of precontact body deposition are evaluated in contrast to mummification. It is suggested that mummification proved to be the most complex of these methods and was reserved for the whaling elite and perhaps others of high rank in Unangax̂ communities. A comparative approach based on ethnographic analogy further explores the metaphysical relationship between hunter and whale. The geographical boundary for this study is also widened because mummification was practiced in regions contiguous to the Aleutians. Literature pertaining to the passage between life and death focuses on the liminality of the soul. This concept is presented as one of the prime elements in understanding mummification. The interpretation offered in this thesis builds on a recent approach to this topic, which suggests that individuals were deliberately mummified so they could remain in a state of persistent liminality in order to be preserved for their power. The findings of this thesis suggest that mummification in the Aleutians was a key aspect to whaling. Whalers needed courage and power, and this was accomplished through the use of mummified bodies of whalers and their lineage members that were iii secreted in caves to be used as magical talismans. This ancient whaling complex is examined through the paradigms of liminality and shamanism. Members were initiated into a spiritual and dangerous world, which thereby elevated their status in the community. It is proposed that whalers also performed the mummification. This interpretation advances the study Unangax̂ mortuary rituals and sets the stage for further research. iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS No dissertation that takes this long to write can possibly have a succinct acknowledgement section. Without all of the people listed here (and others who remain uncredited), I probably would have given up on this project years ago. Luckily, I have been blessed with a multitude of supportive, patient, and perhaps most importantly – incredibly kind people in my life. First and foremost, I would like to recognize the contributions of Dr. Penny Dransart, who helped shape this project and my thinking. It has been a very bumpy ride, and all the encouragement and (countless) edits were worth it in the long run; although they were not always appreciated at the time. It has been an honor working with her, and she forever has my respect and gratitude. She warned me on several occasions that writing a thesis is a very lonely process, and she was right. I must include all the anthropologists and individuals who were willing to provide me with their conference papers, unpublished works, and answers to my numerous questions. A thanks also goes out to Dr. Rick Knecht and Dr. Martin Bates who helped make this thesis better. I must also express my gratitude to the Postgraduate Research Committee and their hard working staff. They granted me several extensions for very valid reasons and my questions were always answered during times when I really needed clarification. The establishment of the Postgraduate Research Department towards the end of my studies was much needed, and it helped make me feel that I was part of the university community even though I lived far away in Alaska. I must also acknowledge two people who worked harder on this dissertation than I had the right ask. The first is my friend Dr. Alys Culhane. She acted as a coach the last two years, using her writing skills to help guide me through the thesis process, and her friendship helped to see me through some difficult times. Alys’s husband, Dr. Pete Praetorius, acted as proofreader/editor extraordinaire, and he was willing to slog v through pages and pages (and pages) of various drafts. Alys and Pete both offered savvy recommendations and grammatical editing. While all the remaining mistakes are mine, this dissertation belongs to them as well. I am forever grateful to my loving parents, Peter and Elizabeth Dissler, for all their encouragement and support over the years. My father was quite the comedian and would always tease me that he would not live to see me complete my thesis. Well, he was right. He died in May of 2015. I also must include my grandparents who were very influential in my life and stressed I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. I was the first in our family of immigrants to not only complete high school and college, but also pursue an advanced degree. Last, but not least, my loving thanks go out to my husband, Wayne, who initially helped convince me to take the time and spend the time and money to follow this academic goal. Unfortunately, he passed of a brain tumor in 2006, an event that was life changing for me. I know they are all proud. Kathleen Day, October 2019. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION…………...………………………………………………………...……….ii ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................... iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................ v LIST OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................... xii Chapter 1: The Dead Don’t Bury Themselves ............................................................. 1 1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Background ............................................................................................................. 2 1.3 Research Aims ........................................................................................................ 3 1.4 Objectives ................................................................................................................ 4 1.5 Other Topics of Relevance ...................................................................................... 5 1.6 Historical Factors .................................................................................................... 6 1.7 Rationale for this Research ...................................................................................... 9 1.8 Methodology Summarized .................................................................................... 10 1.9 Geographical Considerations ................................................................................ 11 1.10 Multidisciplinary Approach .................................................................................. 15 1.11 Data Collection ...................................................................................................... 16 1.12 Implicit Problems .................................................................................................. 20 1.13 Ethical Considerations ........................................................................................... 23 1.14 Thesis Organization ............................................................................................... 24 Chapter 2 “Location, Location, Location” and the Ecological Importance of Whaling ................................................................................................................ 28 2.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 28 2.2 Whale Migrations .................................................................................................. 28 2.3 The Taxonomy of Whales ..................................................................................... 29 2.4 Types of Whales and Known Migration Routes ................................................... 30 2.5 Baleen Whales ....................................................................................................... 32 2.6 Toothed Whales .................................................................................................... 33 2.7 Archaeological Clues of Whale Utilization .......................................................... 35 2.8 The Amaknak Bridge Site ..................................................................................... 35 2.9 Ashishik Point ....................................................................................................... 37 2.10 Importance of Whales in the Kodiak Region ........................................................ 40 2.11 Summary ............................................................................................................... 41 Chapter 3: Theories