Baggage for the Beyond? Contemporary UK grave goods practices and their meanings

About the project

This study explores 'grave goods' in the contemporary UK context.

Grave goods are any items placed with the dead when they are buried or cremated.

This study is being conducted by Dr Jennifer Riley at the University of Aberdeen, supported by The Leverhulme Trust early career fellowship scheme.

Submit your Grave Goods Story

If you have a story, insight or opinion to share, click here to find out more.

Introducing ‘Baggage for the Beyond’

Find out more about the project in a short video presentation.

TEDxAberdeen

For more information and to view Dr Riley's TEDxAberdeen held in November 2024, click here.

Resources for Schools

Dr Riley has used ‘Baggage for the Beyond’ to develop lesson resources to support upper primary (age 11: English KS2/Year 6) school religious education.

Demystifying Death Resources

Dr Riley developed a session exploring grave goods as tools for tricky conversations for Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, as part of Demystifying Death Week.

Podcasts

Dr Riley has featured on several podcasts. Listen to them here.

Collaboration with the Vagina Museum

For more information about Dr Riley's collaboration with the Vagina Museum, click here.

Conference Presentations

This page includes some of these conference presentations, with prose corresponding to the slides used.