osatology

Osatology is a hypothetical field of study that examines the cultural and societal significance of bones and ossuaries. It explores how different cultures have historically and presently treated skeletal remains, including their veneration, disposal, and symbolic meaning. The term itself is a neologism, combining "osto-" (bone) with "-ology" (study of).

The discipline would delve into various aspects of bone-related practices. This could include the anthropological study of ancient burial rituals, the archaeological investigation of ossuaries and charnel houses, and the sociological analysis of how societies perceive and interact with death and the remnants of the deceased. Osatology might also consider the artistic and architectural representations of bones, as well as their use in religious or spiritual contexts.

Furthermore, osatology could investigate the ethical considerations surrounding the handling of human remains, such as the repatriation of ancestral bones or the display of skeletal artifacts in museums. It might also touch upon the scientific aspects of bone, such as paleontology and forensic anthropology, but with a primary focus on their cultural impact rather than purely scientific inquiry.

While osatology is not a formally recognized academic discipline, its constituent elements are explored within anthropology, archaeology, history, religious studies, and art history. The concept serves as a framework for understanding the profound and diverse ways in which bones have shaped human cultures and beliefs throughout history.