Mortsafe definitions
| Word backwards | efastrom |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Noun |
| Syllabic division | mort-safe |
| Plural | The plural of the word "mortsafe" is "mortsafes". |
| Total letters | 8 |
| Vogais (3) | o,a,e |
| Consonants (5) | m,r,t,s,f |
Mortsafe: Protecting the Dead from Grave Robbers
What is a Mortsafe?
A mortsafe is a unique and fascinating historical object that was used in the 19th century to protect graves from body snatchers. These metal contraptions were placed over coffins in burial grounds to prevent grave robbers from stealing corpses for medical dissection.
History and Purpose
Mortsafes were primarily used in Scotland during a time when the demand for cadavers was high for medical research and teaching. Grave robbers, also known as resurrectionists, would steal bodies from cemeteries and sell them to anatomists. In response to this gruesome practice, mortsafes were invented to safeguard the deceased.
Construction and Design
Mortsafes were typically made of iron or iron and stone, with various intricate designs to secure the grave. Some mortsafes had hinged doors that could be locked with padlocks, while others featured heavy metal cages that surrounded the coffin. These structures were often rented to families for a fee, ensuring that the deceased remained undisturbed.
Legacy and Preservation
Although mortsafes are no longer in use today due to advances in medical ethics and law enforcement, many of these unique grave protectors can still be found in old cemeteries as historical artifacts. Museums and collectors around the world showcase mortsafes as a reminder of the macabre past when the dead needed protection from those seeking to exploit their remains.
Mortsafe Examples
- The mortsafe was used to protect graves from body snatchers in the 19th century.
- Historians often study mortsafes to learn about burial practices in different time periods.
- The intricate design of the mortsafe served both a practical and decorative purpose.
- Some mortsafes were made of iron, while others were constructed from wood or stone.
- The mortsafe was a necessary precaution in an era when grave robbing was common.
- Families would invest in a mortsafe to ensure the safety of their loved one's remains.
- Mortsafes were usually removed once the body had decomposed sufficiently.
- The use of mortsafes declined as security measures at cemeteries improved.
- Mortsafes are now considered valuable artifacts that provide insight into past burial customs.
- Visitors to historical cemeteries can often view original mortsafes on display.