Ossuary

The structure in the center of the frame ( the one with the curved top) is an ossuary. Most families on the island have one on their property, some are more elaborate and highly decorated than others.

Locals still practice secondary burials in Astypalaia. So the deceased is first buried in a cemetery, and then after 5 years the bones are dug up and placed into an ossuary with other family members. It makes excavating a cemetery a bit more complicated, as you can get commingled individuals.

Digging up and transporting the bones back home is traditionally women's work.

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