Brahmin Cremation
At the pyre, the body is put into a sarcophagas, which has been shaped appropriately for the person’s caste; a bull for brahman, a lion for Satrias, and an elephant-fish Sundras, along with offerings and money. It is blessed and then incinerated. Once consumed by the fire, the ashes are collected into coconut shells to be thrown into the sea or a stream.
© Kieron Nelson 1996 "Vanishing Cultures Photography" All rights reserved
