Welcome to Honouring the Ancient Dead (HAD)
Honouring the Ancient Dead is a British network organisation that advocates respect for ancient pagan human remains and related artefacts. HAD's aims, scope, structure and focus are set out within our Statement of Intention.
HAD Conference
In October 2009 HAD held its own conference, The Care of Ancient Human Remains. Conference papers are now available.
Philip Wise
Piotr Bienkowski
Emma Restall Orr
Charlotte Woodhead
John Harries (to follow)
Joost Fontein (to follow)
This website is designed to inform people of the work that we do, provide a focal point for advocacy and campaigns, promote discussion and debate and be a key information resource for all those involved in the care for ancient human remains. Our main audiences are archaeologists, museums and government departments responsible for human remains, together with Pagans and other individuals with a special interest in their care.
A Charm - by Rudyard Kipling
Take of English earth as much
As either hand may rightly clutch.
In the taking of it breathe
Prayer for all who lie beneath.
Not the great nor well-bespoke,
But the mere uncounted folk
Of whose life and death is none
Report or lamentation.
Lay that earth upon thy heart
And thy sickness shall depart!
Main Resource Areas:
- Articles - Views, theology, exhibitions, surveys and general interest
- Conferences - Reports on conferences related to human remains
- Projects - Ground breaking work - changing attitudes, providing support
- Your Local Museum - A national on-line database of human remains storage
Further information about HAD's aims, whom it represents and how may be found at About.
Getting involved, finding help or notifying us of news, issues and potential projects is welcomed and easy – just contact us.
Please remember that the issues discussed are not to everybody's taste. If you are likely to be affected by the issues surrounding the care of human remains, then please progress with care. Read our disclaimer before going further.