New England Algonquin Burials
“ The sick man having been appointed by the Autmoin to die ... all the relations and neighbors assemble and, with the greatest possible solemnity, he delivers his funeral oration: he recites his heroic deeds, gives some directions to his family, recommends his friends: Finally, say adieu. This is all there is of their wills. As to gifts, they make none at all; but, quite different from us, the survivors give some to the dying man. A feast is prepared, all gather, evidently in the presence of the dying man, and partake of the food, and “ having banqueted they begin to express their sympathy and sorrowful Farewells, their hearts weep and bleed because their good friend is going to leave them and go away ... they go on in this way until the dying man expires and then they utter horrible cries. " These continue day and night and do not cease until the supply of food has been exhausted, the food having previously been provided by the dying man , and if there are no supplies “ they only bury the dead man, and postpone the obsequies and ceremonies until another time and place, at the good pleasure of their stomachs. Meanwhile, all the relatives and friends daub their faces with black , and very often paint themselves with other their dead in this manner: First, they swathe the body and tie it up in skins; not lengthwise, but with the knees against the stomach and the head on the knees, as we are in our mother's womb. Afterward, they put it in the grave, which has been made very deep, not upon the back or lying down as we do, but sitting. A posture which they like very much, and which among them signifies reverence. For the children and the youths seat themselves thus in the presence of their fathers and of the old , whom they respect ... When the body is placed, as it does not come up even with the ground on account of the depth of the grave, they arch the grave over with sticks, so that the earth will not fall back into it , and thus they cover up the tomb ... If it is some illustrious personage they build a Pyramid or monument of interlacing poles; as eager in that for glory as we are in our marble and porphyry. If it is a man, they place there as a sign and emblem, his bow, arrows, and shield; if a woman, spoons, matches , or jewels, ornaments, etc. I have nearly forgotten the most beautiful part of all; it is that they bury with the dead man all that he owns, such as his bag , his arrows , his skins, and all his other articles and baggage , even his dogs if they have not been eaten. Moreover, the survivors add to these a numbers
