Death: The Last Taboo
by Adept S. Telfer

There’s a saying in life - that death is the only assured eventuality. Death does not discriminate. Yet there is so much about death that is shrouded and not often spoken about. It seems that many of us are uncomfortable when faced with our own mortality. This can make it exceedingly more difficult when faced with the prospect of losing a loved one, with grieving, or even when faced with the prospect of one’s own death.

All the more reason to go and view the exhibition, 'Death - the last taboo'. This exhibition explores death in many ways; providing much information about the processes surrounding death, and satisfying some of those ‘morbid curiosities’ that many might not like to be seen to ask.

You can contemplate the many body disposal options (would you prefer to be buried, cremated, composted, preserved, or have vultures clean your bones?), and learn about what happens to our body after we die (How does it decompose? How is it prepared for a funeral?). There are many displays exploring cultural differences in death rituals and how death is viewed through various cultural lenses. It is interesting to contrast the vast array of ways that different peoples approach the topic of death.. you will just have to experience the exhibit to know what I am talking about!

There are some curious exhibits, such as the safety coffin - for those with a fear of being buried alive. There are coffins in almost any shape and size (including one shaped as a Mercedes, and one shaped as a leek!). There is also a small range of ‘death masks’, which are casts made of the faces of criminals after they were put to death.

I found this exhibition to be both interesting and informative. It was respectful and also quite moving. I believe that such as exhibition can play an important role for people by educating them and thus removing some of the fear surrounding death. The topic of death does not have to be the shrouded and distasteful topic that it is often taken to be in our society. Removing such blockages may lead to people being more prepared for death, feeling more comfortable with those with terminal illnesses, less fear or visiting nursing homes (which many avoid because it reminds them how close death can be), and the ability to partake in a healthy grieving process.

Exhibitions such as 'Death - the last taboo' give the opportunity to reflect upon death, and how it affects the living.

[death the last taboo was an exhibition at the Australian Museum; travelling to all states (except Queensland!)]

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