Page:Dawson - Australian aborigines (1900).djvu/78

 CHAPTER XV.

DEATH AND BURIAL.

persons, especially those dying from old age, generally express an earnest desire to be taken to their birthplace, that they may die and be buried there. If possible, these wishes are always complied with by the relatives and friends. Parents will point out the spot where they were born, so that when they become old and infirm their children may know where they wish their bodies to be disposed of.

When old people become infirm, and unable to accompany the tribe in its wanderings, it is lawful and customary to kill them. The reasons for this are—that they are a burden to the tribe, and, should any sudden attack be made by an enemy, they are the most liable to be captured, when they would probably be tortured and put to a lingering death. When it has been decided to kill an aged member of the tribe, the relatives depute one of their number to carry out the decision. The victim is strangled with a grass rope, and the body, when cold, is burned in a large fire kindled in the neighbourhood. All his property is burned with him except rugs, weapons, and implements. In this cremation the sons and daughters and near relatives take part; and two or three friends collect the necessary firewood and attend to the fire. This custom is recognized as a necessity. There is, therefore, no concealment practised with regard to it. Very often the poor creatures intended to be strangled cry and beg for delay when they see preparations made for their death, but all in vain. The resolution is always carried out.

Suicide is uncommon; but if a native wishes to die, and cannot get any one to kill him, he will sometimes put himself in the way of a venomous snake, that he may be bitten by it. An instance is given of a determination to commit suicide. A man having killed his wife while he was intoxicated, was so sorry, on discovering what he had done, that he besought the tribe to kill him. As he was a general favourite, no one would do it. He resolved, therefore, to starve himself to death on the grave of his deceased wife. His friends, seeing his