On the subject of cross-cultural comparisons and grave goods, Erin's discussion of the burial practices of ancient cultures in terms of material goods got me thinking. While it is interesting to wonder why some people may choose to bury really elaborate and seemingly important personal or other objects with their dead, I think Erin's point of perspective is key. We are looking at this from a western point of view, where (typically) traditional calls for us to pass on our belongings down the lineage (or at least the important sentimental belongings.. ie wedding rings, other jewellery etc.). This may not be the case all the time, but it seems that we choose to have material culture as symbols to remember people by. This may not be the case in other cultures, especially ancient ones. Perhaps this is due to grieving processes; may it's not that these ancient peoples didn't have a use for such objects, but because they belonged distinctly to the deceased individual, it was part of the grieving process to let go of said individual, including all of their belongings. It's doubtful that they would wish to forget, but maybe it's just part of the process of moving on.