Esilekerkivaid

Esilekerkivaid, also known as "secondary burial," is a funerary practice that involves the reburial of human remains after an initial period of exposure or interment. This practice has been observed in various cultures and time periods throughout history. The term "esilekerkivaid" is derived from Estonian, where "esile" means "secondary" and "kerkivaid" means "burial."

The purpose of secondary burial varies among different societies. In some cases, it is a practical measure to make room in limited burial spaces. In other instances, it is a ritualistic process that holds significant cultural or spiritual meaning. For example, among some indigenous peoples of the Americas, secondary burial is part of a multi-stage process that includes initial exposure of the body to natural elements, followed by the collection and reburial of the bones.

In prehistoric Europe, evidence of secondary burial has been found in megalithic tombs and other ancient burial sites. These practices often involved the exhumation of remains, sometimes years after the initial burial, and their placement in ossuaries or collective graves. This could be part of ancestor veneration or other ritualistic activities.

The study of esilekerkivaid provides valuable insights into the beliefs, social structures, and funerary customs of past societies. Archaeologists and anthropologists analyze the patterns and contexts of secondary burials to understand the cultural significance and the symbolic meanings associated with these practices. The examination of esilekerkivaid also contributes to the broader field of mortuary archaeology, which seeks to interpret the ways in which different cultures treat their dead.