ABSTRACT
This chapter presents observations and analysis of the implications of cremation for the embracing and distancing of the body, the personhood of the deceased, the committal of the body and the disposal of the body. In the case of a burial, the committal, the final disposition and the final disposal all co-occur-as the body is lowered into the grave-a neatness not afforded by cremation. The chapter explains contemporary relationship with death and the implications of its technologies through attending to the possibilities afforded by cremation in separating out the committal, the final disposition and the final disposal. The final disposal of the residues of death marks an important moment in the process of embracing and distancing. In the case of cremation, the final disposal is a more ambiguous affair because it offers opportunities for forms of embracing and distancing not afforded by burial.
