Modern culture, first polarized by monotheism and then removed from all connection by science cannot understand a perspective that includes the deceased as an active force in existence.
Possibly the closest the modern mind ever gets to this is through fantasies like movies.
Yet the veneration and respect of ancestors has close resemblance with an approach to the planet that does not seek to destroy it.
For those who have not had it drilled out of them, communication with the dead is a very real thing. One can hope that the harmony of place has been returned, and those forces that were disturbed have returned to eternal flow.
Fair point. Sometimes we are too focused on the science ignoring cultural aspects and possibilities that certain practices may have a significance. Whether one believes it or not, regional sensitivities should always be kept in mind. Thanks for joining the discussion.
I would not reduce the question to a clash of cultures, systems of beliefs, or place the onus merely on the legal reach of the participants. It really has to do with perception.
While current, modern society has given itself permission to define reality for everything and everyone, the basis for any view of reality is always perception.
Modern perception is not even recognized as a factor, it is, however, with the implicit assumption that the current world view which derives from it is simply the ultimate, correct one.
On what basis?
The destructive urge of modernity is as well recognized as it is justified, yet this urge is based upon a simplification, a collapse of perception.
I take the position that it is past time for the modern world to engage in some thorough examination regarding goals and methods, impacts and irrevocable decisions, because it is behaving as if everything here is its plaything.
If it refuses to engage in any action of self reflection that could lead to moderation before the damage is inflicted and the profit is extracted, then the course of the modern world is firmly set, further raising some unavoidable questions, and making certain conditions inevitable.
This mixed topic of history, genetics, and culture, hits all the right notes for me.
I agree with the Altai on the belief that they were wronged by the desecration of this grave.
Just imagine that one of the past popes bodies was taken from Italy, then the thief says that because the Pope wasn't from Africa the Middle East, or the Saudi peninsula that he couldn't be a Catholic. Because Catholicism comes from that area, and the Popes genetics say that he was an Anglo Saxon Englishman.
They are conflating religion and culture, with race, then using that obviously obscure difference to keep the body of a sacred individual. Period.
Just imagine that someone from a European Pagan background did this to a Pope's resting place and body.
For the longest time justification was provided on the basis of Scythians being a European adjascent people had nothing to do with Altai people, but genetic studies reveal a different story. Altai people were justified in feeling a kinship towards the Siberian Ice Maiden.
I do agree descecrating tombs is not a good idea, and perhaps thats why leaders like Chinggis Khan and Attila made sure their resting places were never discovered, but had archaeologists not dug up the tomb we wouldn't have this fascinating story about a culture which is barely known. What could've been avoided was a world tour of the mummy like an object, I feel that was really disrespectful.
The Siberian Ice Maiden is one of my favorites. It is so intriguing to learn that young women even then were so much interested in cosmetics. I find it very endearing.
Modern culture, first polarized by monotheism and then removed from all connection by science cannot understand a perspective that includes the deceased as an active force in existence.
Possibly the closest the modern mind ever gets to this is through fantasies like movies.
Yet the veneration and respect of ancestors has close resemblance with an approach to the planet that does not seek to destroy it.
For those who have not had it drilled out of them, communication with the dead is a very real thing. One can hope that the harmony of place has been returned, and those forces that were disturbed have returned to eternal flow.
Fair point. Sometimes we are too focused on the science ignoring cultural aspects and possibilities that certain practices may have a significance. Whether one believes it or not, regional sensitivities should always be kept in mind. Thanks for joining the discussion.
I would not reduce the question to a clash of cultures, systems of beliefs, or place the onus merely on the legal reach of the participants. It really has to do with perception.
While current, modern society has given itself permission to define reality for everything and everyone, the basis for any view of reality is always perception.
Modern perception is not even recognized as a factor, it is, however, with the implicit assumption that the current world view which derives from it is simply the ultimate, correct one.
On what basis?
The destructive urge of modernity is as well recognized as it is justified, yet this urge is based upon a simplification, a collapse of perception.
I take the position that it is past time for the modern world to engage in some thorough examination regarding goals and methods, impacts and irrevocable decisions, because it is behaving as if everything here is its plaything.
If it refuses to engage in any action of self reflection that could lead to moderation before the damage is inflicted and the profit is extracted, then the course of the modern world is firmly set, further raising some unavoidable questions, and making certain conditions inevitable.
Beautifully written, and well researched.
This mixed topic of history, genetics, and culture, hits all the right notes for me.
I agree with the Altai on the belief that they were wronged by the desecration of this grave.
Just imagine that one of the past popes bodies was taken from Italy, then the thief says that because the Pope wasn't from Africa the Middle East, or the Saudi peninsula that he couldn't be a Catholic. Because Catholicism comes from that area, and the Popes genetics say that he was an Anglo Saxon Englishman.
They are conflating religion and culture, with race, then using that obviously obscure difference to keep the body of a sacred individual. Period.
Just imagine that someone from a European Pagan background did this to a Pope's resting place and body.
For the longest time justification was provided on the basis of Scythians being a European adjascent people had nothing to do with Altai people, but genetic studies reveal a different story. Altai people were justified in feeling a kinship towards the Siberian Ice Maiden.
I do agree descecrating tombs is not a good idea, and perhaps thats why leaders like Chinggis Khan and Attila made sure their resting places were never discovered, but had archaeologists not dug up the tomb we wouldn't have this fascinating story about a culture which is barely known. What could've been avoided was a world tour of the mummy like an object, I feel that was really disrespectful.
Thanks for joining the discussion!
Why can't "they" make wax copies of these people and let the dead rest?
Good point, especially since we have progressed a fair bit including 3-D printing.
Always so cool
Thank you for lifting the paywall on this article. She is an inspiring ancestors for all of us, regardless of where we come from.
Glad you liked it!
The Siberian Ice Maiden is one of my favorites. It is so intriguing to learn that young women even then were so much interested in cosmetics. I find it very endearing.
Fellas?
She was great in Fatal Attraction!