Many of the world's civilizations appear baffling and alien to an outsider's eye, but they actually have sufficient similarities to spark lively discussion.
Yanomami (also Yanam and Senema) are a South American people primarily located in Venezuela and a few areas of Brazil. The people of this tribe are very resistant to Western ideas and customs and are fiercely loyal to their ancient ways.
members of the Yanomami tribe consume the flesh of the deceased before burying them.
An unusual funeral practice that sounds suspiciously like cannibalism is practiced in this society. Endocannibalism refers to the consumption of the flesh of a deceased person from the same tribe, society, or civilisation as oneself.
Among the indigenous Yanomami people, there is a belief that one's spirit must be protected even after death. They believe that the soul can't truly rest and pass away until the body is eaten by living relatives.
Instead of the more common practice of burying their dead in a tomb, members of this native Indian tribe burn the body and use the ash to paint their faces. They cry and sing to show their grief over a lost loved one.
Ashes from the cremation process are combined with bone powder from the second burial step.
Banana soup, the staple food of the tribe, is made by blending this ingredient with mashed bananas.
They believe the soul cannot finally find peace until this ritual is carried out.
If a foreigner kills a local or a member of the family, only the women will eat the ashes before taking revenge. The ritual takes place right before the townsfolk make a possible retaliatory raid on the enemy's area.
I was interested in your thoughts on the tribe and its customs. Sincerity requires me to admit that the thought of it gives me the chills.