Death Beliefs and Burial Customs (Canine page 23) American Indians Death Beliefs and Burial Customs (Canine page 23)
Santee Sioux Dakotas, Nebraska, Montana, Manitoba and Saskatchewan Death Beliefs: 4 souls 2 souls served old Sioux funeral rites 1 soul never leaves the body/vicinity 1 soul sets out on 4 day journey to the land of the spirits
When Death Occurs tearing/renting garments cut their hair inflict pain on themselves men paint their face black fire single gunshot into the air
Preparation of the Deceased women perform this task face painted red hair trimmed dressed in their best clothing
Platform constructed by men for temporary burial clipped horse and human hair represented the “Air” stage of burial deceased left on platform for 1 year food and gifts
Community Mound Burial shallow grave: “Earth” stage graves fenced in to keep away dogs and wolves
Four-Day Rites First Day: families gather food is brought and eaten possessions burned if not suitable Second, Third, and Fourth Day: quiet and sober food passed through cedar smoke
Mourning end of the Four-Day Rites child: usually 1 season adult: usually 1 year
Lakota Tribe 3 distinct ceremonies surrounding the death of Tribe members
“Wacekiyapi” (First) 4 day mourning period burial scaffold deceased placed on scaffold after 4 days belongings placed on scaffold
“Spirit Keeping Ceremony” (Second) elaborate lasts 1 year portable tipi lock of hair wrapped with special clothing: “spirit bundle” bowl to feed the spirit
Third Ceremony after 1 year to release the spirit special clothing painted likeness of the deceased pole is dressed in new garments pipe ceremony and prayer tribe elder or medicine man will close the ceremony: “Spirit Road” feast “community burial mound”
White Buffalo Ceremony most elaborate of the burial rituals done in conjunction with the “Spirit Keeping Ceremony” white buffalo skin skin is adorned with various symbols headdress for the tribe leaders