Abstract:
The concept of memory is very fragile, yet it is one of the most powerful connections
a person can have. Loss, in whatever form it may be, leaves us with a void that is hard
to fill but through those memories we find a way to keep our loved ones close. In times
of unforsaken loss, many often turn to stories and keepsakes—mementos that hold a
part of the people we loved, allowing us to remember, honor, and continue our
connection to them. Among these, personal belongings and heirlooms hold a unique
significance as carries of generational history, cultural traditions and emotional
attachment. While the importance of storytelling and the role of personal objects in the
bereavement process are well acknowledged, there exists a need to explore the
complex nature of grief and its role in creating a lasting impact of love, identity and
human connection. This thesis aims to explore the intersection of grief, memory,
remembrance and material culture in the grieving process and the impact of loss on an
individual; especially within the South Asian context, where personal artifacts and
belongings are deeply tied to generational and collective histories. Using a
combination of traditional crafting methods, interactivity, experiential design, and
personal storytelling, it aims to highlight the importance of memory in the evolving
process of dealing with loss and how those memories are expressed, preserved and
transformed into meaningful representations.
