Some Mortuary Customs Of The Navajo

Two or four mourners from a deceased's family are appointed to guard over the strict observance of every mortuary custom, particularly warning strangers and visitors of the presence of a death line over which the spirit is journeying to another world. Traditional customs include the deceased's mother bathing the body and burning her clothes later. In earlier days, slaves were designated to prepare and bury the corpse which is traditionally wrapped in a blanket and then imbedded in a pit or in the crevice of a rock offering ample security against disturbance from roaming animals. Photos.