garments for the grave wrappings of mortality by Pia Interlandi from australia

In almost every human culture, when an individual is prepared for burial or cremation, their body is dressed in a garment. A garment that will literally and symbolically become part of the body as it decomposes. But if we are no longer dressing for our mind or our body, what are we dressing for? What consideration is involved in the fashioning of death? My research has seen the development of bespoke biodegradable burial garments that allow room for a more meaningful engagement with a topic that is notoriously avoided but will affect every single one of us.

Each of us will be involved in the funeral planning of someone we love, and while it will always be a difficult experience, it can be a transformative moment that will be deeply entwined with our future lives. Our societal relationship with the reality of death is one of denial, but this is changing. No one goes into the earth naked, and therefore a garment is always chosen. This choice is a moment in which I have developed new rituals that engage the living and the dead, in a meaningful way that offers catharsis to the bereavement process.

The prototype garment submitted for the competition is made of a hemp and organic cotton weave, with silk highlights. The outfit consists of several pieces including the shroud with numerous cords (these are all done in a double knot - a ritual for tying up a life well lived), silk hand wraps, a bag for the feet (to ensure entire body coverage), and a final silk overlay for lightly veiling the deceased, as a soft and delicate final vision of a loved one past. From grandchildren through to grandparents, families are invited to participate in the decoration of the garment as a way they can become engaged in the process, be it through hand dyeing, printing or embroidery. The shape of the garment is designed for ease of dressing and comes with instructions, so should the family wish to be involved in this final dressing, it can be done with dignity and simplicity in a ritual that can bring about catharsis for the bereaved.

For more information please see: www.piainterlandi.com