IV 



of the people, the affection in which friends and kindred are held, the very 

 beginnings of altruism in primitive life. 



In like manner these customs constitute a record of the moral condi- 

 tion of the people, as in many ways they exhibit the ethic standards by 

 which conduct in human life is judged. For such reasons the study of 

 mortuary customs is of profound interest to the anthropologist. 



It is hoped that by this method of research the observations of many 

 men may be brought together and placed on permanent record, and that 

 the body of material may be sufficient, by a careful comparative study, 

 to warrant some general discussion concerning the philosophy of this 

 department of human conduct. 



General conclusions can be reached with safety only after materials 

 from many sources have been obtained. It will not be safe for the col- 

 lector to speculate much upon that which he observes. His own theory or 

 explanation of customs will be of little worth, but the theory and explana- 

 tion given by the Indians will be of tjie greatest value. What do the 

 Indians do, and say, and believe? When these are before us it matters 

 little whether our generalizations be true or false. Wiser men may come 

 and use the facts to a truer purpose. It is proposed to make a purely 

 objective study of the Indians, and, as far as possible, to leave the record 

 unmarred by vain subjective speculations. 



The student who is pursuing his researches in this field should care- 

 fully note all of the customs, superstitions, and opinions of the Indians 

 relating to — 



1. The care of the lifeless body prior to burial, much of which he will 

 find elaborated into sacred ceremonies. 



2. The method of burial, including the site of burial, the attitude in 

 which the body is placed, and the manner in which it is investured. Here, 

 also, he will find interesting and curious ceremonial observances. The 

 superstitions and opinions of the people relating to these subjects are of 

 importance. 



3 The gifts offered to the dead; not only those placed with the body 

 at the time of burial, but those offered at a subsequent time for the bene- 

 faction of the departed on his way to the other world, and for his use 



