We have thus briefly, though it is hoped judiciously and carefully,
reviewed the subject of Indian burial, avoiding elaborate discussion,
as foreign to the purpose of the work, simply pointing out from the
carefully gleaned material at our disposal such examples and detached
accounts as may serve as guides to those whose interest in the subject
may lead them to contribute to the final volume. Before closing,
however, it is necessary to again allude to the circular which has
been forwarded to observers and call attention to some additional
matters of importance connected with the queries, which are as
follows: [Footnote: Advantage has been taken to incorporate with the
queries certain modifications of those propounded by Schoolcraft in
his well-known work on the Indian tribes of the United States,
relating to the same subject.]
1st. NAME OF THE TRIBE, present appellation; former, if differing any;
and that used by the Indians themselves.
2d. LOCALITY, PRESENT AND FORMER.--The response should give the range
of the tribe and be full and geographically accurate.
3d. DEATHS AND FUNERAL CEREMONIES; what are the important and
characteristic facts connected with these subjects? How is the corpse
prepared after death and disposed of? How long is it retained? Is it
spoken to after death as if alive? when and where? What is the
character of the addresses? What articles are deposited with it; and
why? Is food put in the grave, or in or near it afterwards? Is this
said to be an ancient custom? Are persons of the same gens buried
together, and is the clan distinction obsolete, or did it ever
prevail?
4th. MANNER OF BURIAL, ANCIENT AND MODERN; STRUCTURE AND POSITION OF
THE GRAVES; CREMATION--Are burials usually made in high and dry
grounds? Have mounds or tumuli been erected in modern times over the
dead? How is the grave prepared and finished? What position are bodies
placed in? Give reasons therefor if possible. If cremation is or was
practiced, describe the process, disposal of the ashes, and origin of
custom or traditions relating thereto. Are the dead ever eaten by the
survivors? Are bodies deposited in springs or in any body of water?
Are scaffolds or trees used as burial places; if so, describe
construction of the former and how the corpse is prepared, and whether
placed in skins or boxes. Are bodies placed in canoes? State whether
they are suspended from trees, put on scaffolds or posts, allowed to
float on the water or sunk beneath it, or buried in the ground. Can
any reasons be given for the prevalence of any one or all of the
methods? Are burial posts or slabs used, plain, or marked, with flags
or other insignia of position of deceased. Describe embalmment,
mummification, desiccation, or if antiseptic precautions are taken,
and subsequent disposal of remains. Are bones collected and
reinterred, describe ceremonies, if any, whether modern or ancient. If
charnel houses exist or have been used, describe them.
5th. MOURNING OBSERVANCES--Is scarification practiced, or personal
mutilation? What is the garb or sign of mourning? How are the dead
lamented? Are periodical visits made to the grave? Do widows carry
symbols of their deceased children or husbands, and for how long? Are
sacrifices, human or otherwise, voluntary or involuntary, offered? Are
fires kindled on graves, why, and at what time, and for how long?
6th. BURIAL TRADITIONS AND SUPERSTITIONS--Give in full all that can be
learned on these subjects, as they are full of interest and very
important.
In short, every fact bearing on the disposal of the dead, and
correlative customs are needed, and details should be as succinct and
full as possible.
One of the most important matters upon which information is needed is
the "why" and "wherefore" for every rite and custom, for, as a rule,
observers are content to simply state a certain occurrence as a fact,
but take very little trouble to inquire the reason for it.
The writer would state that any material the result of careful
observation will be most gratefully received and acknowledged in the
final volume, and he would here confess the lasting obligation he is
under to those who have already contributed in response to his call.
Criticism and comments are earnestly invited from all those interested
in the special subject of this paper and anthropology in general
Contributions are also requested from persons acquainted with curious
forms of burial prevailing among other tribes of savage men.
In addition to the many references, etc, given by the various members
of the Bureau of Ethnology, communications have been received from the
following persons, although their accounts may not have been alluded
to in this volume; should omissions of names have occurred it is hoped
attention will be called to the fact.
The writer acknowledges with pleasure the assistance he has received
in reading the proof of this volume from Mr. J. C. Pilling, Dr. Thomas
W. Wise and Mr. R. W. Hardy.