Tags: Osage, Ozarks, Funeral Custom, Sacrifice
Text
For the Osage, whenever there’s a death of a child/baby, dogs will be used in ceremonial practices as a sacrifice.
Informant Info
Race/Ethnicity: Indian
Age: 22
Occupation: College Student
Residence: Northwest Arkansas, USA
Date of Performance: March 2024
Primary Language: English
Other Language(s): N/A
Relationship: Friend
Context
AH, the informant, is of Indian descent. Her father practices Hinduism and speaks Tulu. He has been a very influential figure in her upbringing. She also studies indigenous peoples and their customs as a Sustainability major.
Analysis
This act of sacrifice is meant to represent the similar innocence of little dogs and babies. It is also done as a means to give the child/baby companionship in the afterlife.