By the Sad and Mournful Sea: Mortuary Memorialisation in the Quarantine Context

Abstract

The concept and processes of quarantine are shaped by changing medical theory and ideology concerning the causes, spread and methods for curtailing infectious disease. North Head Quarantine Station in Manly, New South Wales is one of the oldest quarantine facilities in Australia, operating from the 1830s until 1984 and its associated Third Cemetery is the material manifestation of one of the possible outcomes from the processes of quarantine; the occurrence of death. This thesis is therefore concerned with exploring whether the specific circumstances and liminal nature of the quarantine experience affects patterns of mortuary memorialisation and commemoration at this site. A recording of 68 grave markers at the Third Cemetery and 68 grave markers at Manly Cemetery has been undertaken. Spatial, temporal, material and inscription content analysis have been applied to the recorded data in order to compare and contrast patterns in memorialisation. Further juxtaposition between historical attitudes and practices concerning death and dying has been explored. The results have been considered in light of a theoretical body whereby it has been argued the quarantine experience displays elements of the liminal period in a rite de passage (van Gennep 1960, Turner 1987). This model entails a tripartite structure of a subject’s separation from mainstream society, an in-between or liminal stage whilst in quarantine and reincorporation; into society. By comparing the two sites in light of this framework, the data show similarity in material fabric and style but clear difference in spatial patterns of memorialisation as well as variation in language, the temporal use of the sites and size and complexity of monuments. A dissonance with the historical accounts of death and dying in Australia in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries was revealed. The unique circumstances and ideologies of quarantine and the liminal nature of its processes therefore have had an effect on the types and patterns of memorialisation and commemoration at these sites, both constraining and liberating memorialising activity at the unique Third Cemetery site. Consequently, this research has implications for analysis of cemeteries in other liminal institutional contexts such as hospitals, sanatoria and asylums.