An Introduction to the mortuary customs of the North American Indians

An Introduction to the Mortuary Customs of the North American Indians by H. C. Yarrow is a significant ethnographic study that explores the diverse burial practices and rituals of Indigenous peoples across North America. Yarrow, an American naturalist and ethnographer associated with the United States Army Medical Corps and the Smithsonian Institution, presents a comprehensive overview of the various customs related to death and burial among different tribes.In this work, Yarrow systematically categorizes the mortuary practices he encountered during his research, including burial methods, grave goods, and ceremonies. He examines how these customs reflect the spiritual beliefs, social structures, and cultural values of the communities involved. Yarrow emphasizes the importance of understanding these practices in the context of each tribe's unique worldview, illustrating the rich tapestry of beliefs surrounding life, death, and the afterlife.