Spirit house (Ojibwe)

A spirit house (Ojibwe: jiibegamig), also called a gravehouse, is a structure traditionally erected over graves as part of Ojibwe funeral rites. The structure consists of a small gable-roofed box, which functions to protect the grave as well as facilitate the soul's journey to Heaven (Ojibwe: Gigig). They have an opening and an interior ledge on one side where food (particularly maple syrup, maple sugar, wild rice, and fruit) and tobacco is placed.[1] The food could be consumed by family and friends of the deceased, community members in need, and children.[2] Birch bark was used to construct the spirit houses before lumber.[3] The grave is traditionally oriented along the east-west axis.[4]

Spirit houses are possibly derived from French Christian influence.[5]

Cemeteries with significant numbers of spirit houses include the La Pointe Indian Cemetery[6] and Buffalo Bill Cemetery at Powers Bluff in Wisconsin,[7] and Garden Island Indian Cemetery in Michigan.[8]

References

  1. ^ Ross 2000, pp. 102–103; McLeod 2014, pp. 6–7
  2. ^ Densmore 1929, p. 75; Ritzenthaler & Ritzenthaler 1983, p. 41; Ross 2000, pp. 102–103
  3. ^ Densmore 1929, p. 75
  4. ^ Densmore 1929, p. 75; Ritzenthaler & Ritzenthaler 1983, p. 41
  5. ^ Ross 2000, p. 102
  6. ^ National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form: La Pointe Indian Cemetery (Report). National Park Service. 3 August 1977.
  7. ^ Perkins 1998, p. 14
  8. ^ Mahan & Mahan 1991, p. 113

Bibliography

  • Media related to Ojibwe spirit houses at Wikimedia Commons
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