Subject
Indians of North America -- Funeral customs and rites Books
Best books
Unknown
First Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution 1879-1880, Government Printing Office 1881
"First Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology" by John Wesley Powell is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This report details the establishment and operations of the Bureau of Ethnology, which focuses on researching and compiling information on North American anthropology, specifically regarding its indigenous peoples. The report covers various studies undertaken during the Bureau's first fiscal year, showcasing significant collaborations and findings in linguistics, cultural customs, and historical accounts. The opening of the report describes the context of its creation, including the transition from previous geological and geographical surveys to the establishment of the Bureau dedicated to ethnological research. It mentions Powell's role as the Director and outlines various methods of operation, highlighting the collaborative nature of the research. Additionally, it references the contributions of numerous scholars and assistants in documenting languages, customs, and social structures among various Native American tribes, setting the stage for the detailed studies that follow in the subsequent sections.
Cyrus Thomas
Burial Mounds of the Northern Sections of the United States
"Burial Mounds of the Northern Sections of the United States" by Cyrus Thomas is an anthropological study written in the late 19th century. This scientific publication delves into the burial practices of ancient mound-building cultures in various northern districts of the United States, examining the significance of these mounds in understanding the social structures, beliefs, and customs of their creators. It presents detailed findings on the characteristics and contents of burial mounds, making a case for their cultural and historical importance. The opening of the work introduces the reader to the significance of burial mounds as a primary source of information about the customs and beliefs of the mound-building peoples. Thomas emphasizes how these mounds, while appearing simple externally, contain critical archaeological evidence that reveals insights into the daily lives, arts, and religious practices of these ancient communities. He outlines various geographical districts, including Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, and others, describing the distinct attributes of their burial mounds and the artifacts found within them, such as pottery, copper items, and skeletal remains. This foundational section sets the stage for a thorough exploration of mound-building cultures in subsequent chapters.
H. C. (Harry Crécy) Yarrow
A Further Contribution to the Study of the Mortuary Customs of the North American Indians
"A Further Contribution to the Study of the Mortuary Customs of the North American Indians" by Dr. H. C. Yarrow is a scientific publication written during the late 19th century. The text focuses on the diverse burial practices and rituals associated with death among various North American Indigenous tribes, aiming to document these customs before they are lost to modernization and cultural change. The opening of the work introduces the purpose of the study, which is to compile and analyze mortuary customs among North American Indians, a subject of growing interest in ethnological research. Dr. Yarrow emphasizes the rapid decline of these traditional practices and the importance of preserving them for future study. He outlines the classifications of burial methods, including inhumation in pits and graves, cremation, and aquatic burials, setting the stage for a detailed examination of various tribes' rituals and ceremonies surrounding death. The beginning establishes a multifaceted view of how different cultures within North America approach the concept of death and burial, highlighting the diversity and commonalities in these significant rituals.
H. C. (Harry Crécy) Yarrow
An Introduction to the mortuary customs of the North American Indians
"An Introduction to the Mortuary Customs of the North American Indians" by Dr. H.C. Yarrow is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This work aims to systematically explore and document the varied mortuary practices of Indigenous tribes across North America, highlighting the philosophical and social significance of these customs. The opening of the book presents a comprehensive introduction to Dr. Yarrow's research objectives and methodological approach. It emphasizes the importance of understanding mortuary customs as a reflection of cultural beliefs regarding life, death, and the afterlife among Native American tribes. Dr. Yarrow articulates plans to gather ethnographic data from firsthand observations and reliable accounts, categorizing practices such as burial methods, mourning rituals, and the treatment of the deceased. He notes the challenges in accessing truthful testimonies from Indigenous peoples while underscoring a commitment to objective analysis, aiming to provide a lasting scholarly resource that captures these practices before they are lost to the pressures of modernization.
Recently surfaced classics