450 FROM NORTH POLE TO EQUATOR. 



When an Ostiak dies his spirit-life begins at once; so his friends 

 proceed immediately to arrange for his burial. They had all 

 assembled before his death, and as soon as life is extinct they kindle 

 a fire in the tshum in which the body lies, and keep it burning 

 until they set out for the burial-place. A shaman is called to ask 

 the dead where he wishes to lie. This is done by naming a place, 

 ■and attempting to raise the head of the corpse. If the dead man 

 approves he lets his head be raised; if he does not, three men can- 

 not move it. Then the question must be repeated until the man 

 gives his consent. Skilled persons are despatched to the chosen 

 spot to prepare the grave, for this work often requires several 

 •days. 



The burial-places are always in the tundra, on elevated spots, 

 xisually on a long ridge; the coffins are more or less artistically 

 ■wrought chests, which are placed above the ground. Failing solid 

 planks to construct the coffin, a boat is cut up and the corpse is 

 laid in that; only the very poor people dig in the ground a shallow 

 hollow in which to bury their dead. 



The corpse is not washed, but is arrayed in festive garments, 

 the hair anointed, and the face covered with a cloth. All the rest 

 ■of the deceased's clothing is given to the poor. The Ostiaks never 

 touch the dead body of a stranger with their hands, but they do not 

 hesitate to touch a loved relative, and even to kiss his cold face 

 with tears in their eyes. The corpse is brought to the burial-place 

 on a sledge, or in a boat, and is accompanied by all the relatives 

 and friends. A reindeer-skin, on which the dead is to rest, is laid 

 in the chest or coffin. At the head and sides are placed tobacco, 

 pipes, and all manner of implements which the dead man was wont 

 to use in his lifetime. Then the corpse is lifted with cords, carried 

 to the chest, and laid on the bed thus prepared; the face is covered 

 for the last time, a piece of birch-bark is spread over the open top 

 of the chest, which, if the family be a rich one, is perhaps first 

 covered with costly skins and cloths, the lid of the chest is put on 

 above the sheet of bark, or at least heavy branches are laid close 

 together upon it. Around and under the chest are laid such imple- 

 ments as could not be placed within it, but they are first broken 



