Endocannibalism

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Endocannibalism (from Greek Endo- "internal" or "from within" and cannibalism) is the term which describes the practice of eating dead members of one's own culture, tribe or social group. The practice may have a variety of purposes, including an attempt to absorb the characteristics of the deceased, the belief that by eating human flesh there is a regeneration of life after death,[1] the incorporation of the spirit of the dead into living descendants, or to ensure the separation of the soul from the body.

[edit] As a cultural practice

Some Indigenous Australians performed such practices as acts of respect for the dead person (presumably as a sign of the dead person's worth),[2] as well as some Native American cultures such as the Mayoruna people.[3]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Cannibalism. Encyclopedia of Death and Dying. Retrieved on 2008-02-13.
  2. ^ Endocannibalism (ritual). Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved on 2008-02-13.
  3. ^ Dorn, Georgette M.; Tenenbaum, Barbara A. (1996). Encyclopedia of Latin American history and culture. New York: C. Scribner's Sons. ISBN 0684192535.  Pages 535-537.
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