The second lecture in the ASI lecture series “Waste: inevitable evil, avoidable curse, or precious resource?” is given by Irene Stengs. The lecture will explore the concept of ‘sacred waste’ and how certain materials or objects can be seen as both sacred and waste at the same time. What analytical value is added by understanding certain things/material/stuff as instances of sacred waste? When does 'matter' appear as sacred and waste at the same time? How to understand the practices or circumstances through which sacred waste may be generated?
The lecture will then zoom in on ethnographic research from the Netherlands (commemorative ritual) and Thailand (divine kingship) to examine how sacred waste is generated, preserved, or disposed of. It will also consider the agency of sacred waste and the broader societal issues and contestations it may reveal.
The Waste Lecture Series is an initiative of ASI together with Freek Colombijn (Faculty of Social Sciences, Social and Cultural Anthropology, VU Amsterdam). Amsterdam Sustainability Institute provides an inclusive umbrella for sustainability-related research at VU.
The event is open for all. Make sure to register!
This event is in-person only. Register using this link.
