endocannibalism
Eating deceased kin
Endocannibalism is the practice of eating the flesh of someone from one's own community, typically as a funeral rite.
Some cultures consumed deceased relatives to honor them or absorb their spirit, believing the body should return to the group rather than decay or be taken by outsiders.
Distinguished from exocannibalism, which targets enemies or strangers.
Prion disease from cannibalism
- prion diseaseNeurodegeneration from misfolded proteins
- transmissionSending of information
- pathogenDisease-causing microorganism
- brain tissueOrganic cranial material
spongiform · neurological · consumption · ingestion · tissue · bone marrow · organs · ashes
Pacific island subregion
- AmazoniaBrazilian rainforest region
- tribalOf a clan
- indigenousOriginating in a region
- ethnographySystematic study of peoples
fieldwork · cultural practice · cosmology · belief system · taboo · custom · tradition · cross-cultural
Of burial rites
- ancestorPredecessor in lineage
- mourningPeriod following loss
- death riteCeremony for the deceased
- soulInnermost animating essence
spirit · afterlife · respect · veneration · commemoration · grief · sacred · ceremony
Process of taking in
- essenceFundamental nature of something
- incorporationForming a legal entity
- memory preservationMaintaining ability to recall
- qualitiesDistinguishing traits or features
identity · continuation · belonging · unity · love · transformation · rebirth · eternal bond
kuru
Prion disease from cannibalism
- prion diseaseNeurodegeneration from misfolded proteins
- transmissionSending of information
- pathogenDisease-causing microorganism
brain tissue · spongiform · neurological · consumption · ingestion · tissue · bone marrow · organs · ashes · cremains
Melanesia
Pacific island subregion
- AmazoniaBrazilian rainforest region
- tribalOf a clan
- indigenousOriginating in a region
ethnography · fieldwork · cultural practice · cosmology · belief system · taboo · custom · tradition · cross-cultural · documented
funerary
Of burial rites
- ancestorPredecessor in lineage
- mourningPeriod following loss
- death riteCeremony for the deceased
soul · spirit · afterlife · respect · veneration · commemoration · grief · sacred · ceremony · transition
absorption
Process of taking in
- essenceFundamental nature of something
- incorporationForming a legal entity
- memory preservationMaintaining ability to recall
qualities · identity · continuation · belonging · unity · love · transformation · rebirth · eternal bond · spiritual nourishment
- Yanomamiriver spirits, headman, village councils, first contact, spirit world
endocannibalismcremation
Burning the deceased
burial · sky burial · mummification · entombment · inhumation