Nekrohumanistyka
Necrohumanities

Summary/Abstract: The article proposes a definition of necrohumanities as a multidisciplinary and transcultural field of knowledge focused on the ontology of dead bodies and remains. They are considered in particular through the context of their species belonging, organic or inorganic materiality and various forms of agency (not only symbolic). The task of necrohumanities is to create but also to “complement and supplement” knowledge produced on this subject both in the humanities and social sciences as well as the natural sciences, as well as by representatives of various indigenous knowledges. The article considers necrohumanities as a future-oriented field seeking to generate new research categories, approaches and theories, as well as forms of representation, style and vocabulary specific to the subject. In turning to the necrohumanities, the author is particularly interested in the process of un-becoming human through what she terms necrotic metamorphosis. In light of the “soil science renaissance”, the author suggests combining reflections on the ontological status of human remains with soil-inspired reflections on soil ontology and organic matter, as well as on biological, chemical and physical processes occurring in the soil. The author presents humus as the key metaphor of necrohumanities, with dehumanization by decomposition and becoming-soil/humus providing its basic ideas. Examination of human remains as a component of soil organic matter and taking an interest in necrosols as specific types of anthropogenic soils is not intended to scientize and/or naturalize the humanities, but instead seeks to problematize the dead body and remains while strengthening efforts to generate a more comprehensive and complementary understanding of processes related to its decomposition, thus providing an ethical approach to human remains and suggesting a way to protect them.

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