Funeral Service Practice Exam

What practices did Native American tribes include in their death care traditions?

1. Ground burials only

2. Above ground scaffold burials, Upright underground burials, Burials in lodges, caves, and fissures in rocks

3. Cremation exclusively

4. Burials at sea only

The correct answer is: Above ground scaffold burials, Upright underground burials, Burials in lodges, caves, and fissures in rocks

The correct choice highlights a range of burial practices that were observed by various Native American tribes, reflecting the diversity and complexity of their death care traditions. Native American cultures often utilized methods such as above-ground scaffold burials, where the deceased’s body is placed on scaffolds or platforms, allowing it to remain elevated and separated from the ground. This practice is noted among some tribes as a way to honor the deceased and protect the body from animals. Additionally, upright underground burials involve placing the body in a vertical position in a grave, demonstrating differing cultural beliefs around the treatment of the dead. Other methods included burials in lodges, caves, and fissures in rocks, showcasing a connection to the natural landscape and emphasizing respect for the environment surrounding the burial site. This variety indicates that Native American death care practices were not monolithic but varied significantly from tribe to tribe, often influenced by beliefs in the afterlife, territorial concerns, and the natural surroundings. The incorrect options suggest overly restrictive or exclusive practices that do not capture the full breadth of Native American approaches to death care.