– Why did she become interested in Tanatopraktik?
– Eight years ago a tragedy changed everything. A husband died in an accident shortly after relocating to Veliky Novgorod. He and his partner had known each other for twelve years, part of a marriage that lasted a decade. When the body was presented at the morgue, recognition did not come. After the funeral, the question of restoring the deceased to restore dignity and allow a proper farewell lingered in her mind.
What does the job require?
– At a funeral, relatives see the person for the last time, and that moment is etched into memory forever. Some prefer not to say goodbye, choosing to remember the deceased as they were in life. The mission is to ease that farewell, helping people grieve with less pain and fear. The aim is to allow loved ones to part with their loss more peacefully, even if only a little.
– Is this field growing in popularity, and how long has she worked?
– In recent years, the profession has drawn more attention. Many morgue attendants have retrained as thanatopractors, a practice sometimes called mummification artistry. She has studied for eight years and participates in annual refresher courses. The methods evolve, and the profession rewards ongoing learning to enhance the craft.
What is her primary education?
– She holds a higher education, though not in the current field. Her background is in hotel and restaurant management.
Tell me about the responsibilities at work.
– The first tasks involve accepting the body and performing cleaning, the scope of which depends on the case. If restoration is not requested, relatives may ask for head washing, sculpting and makeup. Eyelash extensions, manicures and pedicures can be accommodated if requested. Afterwards, the person is dressed and a light makeup is applied, or a full restoration, depending on complexity.
— How in-demand are thanatopractic services?
They are not as widely sought as one would hope. Death remains a taboo topic in society, and many people are unaware of this profession. The practitioners operate largely out of the spotlight. Still, the aim is to show that there is no shame in the work. The goal is to present the deceased with dignity on the day of farewell, a day described by some as the feast of the departed. The sentiment is that the person should appear neat for the ceremony, even if conversation often centers on costs and logistics.
– Are the services available in the region?
– The rate in the Novgorod region is around 5,000 rubles for a basic job. In the toughest cases, when a challenging reconstruction is needed, the fee can reach about 13,000 rubles. By comparison, a forensic examination in the city costs around 2,800 rubles. A makeup job that costs up to 10,000 rubles is a reasonable estimate for high-quality restoration.
– Were there any difficulties obtaining cosmetics due to sanctions?
– Fortunately, supplies come from a laboratory at a Novosibirsk crematorium that develops cosmetics for the dead. The products are highly regarded, cost-efficient, and competitive with international alternatives. A number of morgue attendants still rely on tried-and-true products used for years, balancing modern needs with familiar routines.
– How do dead cosmetics differ from ordinary cosmetics?
– Ordinary cosmetics are called civil and are formulated for living skin temperatures. They do not behave well on cold, lifelike skin, causing sheen, shrinkage or unnatural texture. A useful analogy is to imagine applying standard products to a refrigerated chicken; the results would be imperfect. The dead require specialized formulations that honor the skin’s conditions after death.
— What are the requirements for working with the skin of the deceased?
– There are no unusual prerequisites beyond using appropriate cosmetics tailored to the skin. Postmortem skin loses moisture, dries and stiffens, resembling parchment in texture. The aim is to preserve hydration and appearance with care.
– What kind of makeup for the deceased do relatives most often request?
– Most relatives prefer makeup in neutral, soothing pastel tones. Yet requests vary. A recent example involved a 92-year-old grandmother who wished for curled hair, burgundy lips and a manicure to match. The preferences reflect individuality, not a single standard.
– What is the most memorable case to date?
– Every case leaves a mark. The most challenging tasks involve children, who are deeply felt by everyone in the room because families are touched by their loss. A memorable event occurred when three siblings from the same family were lost in a house fire. The mother was detained for an investigation and could not attend the farewell, so the arranger and local neighbors carried the responsibility. The event underscored the emotional weight carried by those who prepare a ceremony without close relatives present.
– If a frozen expression appears on a face after death, how is it addressed?
– Each face tells a different story. Fear may be written in the eyes or across the mouth. The team may adjust the expression through gentle massage and repositioning, closing the lips if needed and animating a calm look, as if the person were peacefully asleep.
— Do handling methods change with the storage duration of the corpse?
– Storage conditions affect the process. Cadaveric staining may appear if storage is improper, and colors can shift through purple to blue or even eggplant tones. If a body has been stored for a long time or under suboptimal conditions, the restoration will take longer and require more effort, but it is possible to restore a natural appearance.
– How are serious injuries treated?
– In cases of severe injury, reconstructing the skull frame is part of the process. The bones are realigned, missing pieces are replaced, and then the skinwork begins, with sewing, gluing and final makeup touch-ups to complete the effect.
– Is the work safe given the risks of bacteria and formalin exposure?
– The job carries health risks. A portion of practitioners experience chronic health issues, including tuberculosis. Adherence to protective gear such as gloves, masks, goggles and a protective suit reduces risks. As embalming involves formalin, respiratory protection and careful handling are essential.
— What role do forums and contests play in the ritual community?
– Competitions are anchored at the Novosibirsk Center, with leadership from Sergei Borisovich Yakushin, a pioneer who openly discussed burial rituals. Training often occurs in Novosibirsk or Moscow. A practitioner won first place in a national competition, highlighting the value of public discourse and professional visibility. Forums and exhibitions about funeral culture are increasingly common, and the existence of a dedicated death museum in Novosibirsk underscores the importance of burial traditions across eras and societies. The belief remains that every farewell should be honored with dignity and respect.
What is considered before sleep?
– A living professional reflects on daily life, family matters and upcoming tasks. The day ends with a review of the work performed and planning for tomorrow, especially if a difficult case is pending or a civil memorial is on the agenda. In addition to her main practice, she serves as a master of ceremonies for commemorations, bringing a certain ceremony’s cadence to life.
– Is death something to fear?
– Death is not feared. It is presented as a natural phase, much like birth, and it is acknowledged as something that eventually touches everyone.
– What fears does she harbor?
– Heights are a personal fear, and the loss of a loved one ranks among the most daunting concerns. The worry of not being available to respond to a family member remains a heavy emotional weight, especially for a parent who relies on dependable communication.