Burial Practices of Indigenous Peoples

 

A Tribe Burial, Library of Congress

Traditional burial practices of Indigenous peoples in Arizona vary greatly depending on the specific tribe, as each has its unique cultural and spiritual beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife. Here are some examples of traditional burial practices for tribes historically and currently in Arizona.  This certainly is not an exhaustive list.

Hohokam

The ancient Hohokam practiced both cremation and burial in the ground. Cremated remains were often placed in pottery vessels or pits and buried, sometimes alongside offerings like tools, jewelry, or food.

Akimel O'odham (Pima)

The Akimel O'odham typically practiced cremation, believing that fire purified the soul and helped it transition to the afterlife. After cremation, the remains were placed in a pot or urn and buried. Personal items of the deceased, such as tools or clothing, were also burned or buried to accompany them in the next life.

Tohono O'odham

The Tohono O'odham traditionally practiced inhumation. The deceased were buried in a seated position, often wrapped in blankets or cloth. Graves were usually dug in remote locations, and offerings such as food, tools, or personal items were included to assist the deceased in their spiritual journey. Family members performed rituals to honor the deceased and ensure their peaceful transition to the afterlife.

Piipaash (Maricopa)

The Piipaash also practiced cremation, similar to the Akimel O'odham, with personal items often burned along with the body or buried nearby. Their ceremonies included rituals to purify the spirit and protect the living from the deceased's spirit lingering too close.

Yavapai

The Yavapai traditionally buried their dead in the ground, often in locations close to nature, such as caves or under trees. They believed that the soul would return to nature. Like other tribes, the deceased were buried with personal items that were believed to aid their journey in the afterlife.

Common Themes Across Tribes

Burial locations often held significance, such as being near water, under trees, or in caves, symbolizing a return to nature. Many tribes included personal items or offerings to assist the deceased on their journey or in their next life. Rituals and ceremonies often focused on purifying the soul, guiding it to the afterlife, and protecting the living from spirits. Many tribes would avoid or abandon places associated with death, reflecting a reverence for the power of spirits and the need to respect the deceased.

These practices have evolved over time due to changes and external influences.  However, many Indigenous communities in Arizona continue to honor their traditional beliefs and incorporate them into modern practices where possible.

 

Indigenous Architectural Influences: Arizona Biltmore's Pueblo Deco Design

 

Arizona Biltmore

Library of Congress

Phoenix is home to examples of Pueblo Deco architecture, a style that blends Art Deco with Indigenous Puebloan design elements. The Arizona Biltmore Hotel, constructed in 1929, is a prominent example.  Inspired by the geometric patterns of Indigenous Pueblo art and motifs, McArthur and Wright incorporated what became known as "Biltmore Blocks." These blocks, made from desert sand and bearing stylized patterns, reflect the Southwest’s Indigenous heritage and the natural beauty of the desert

These sites exemplify how Indigenous cultural influences are integrated into Phoenix's architectural landscape, celebrating the traditions and contributions of these
communities in the region.

 

The Indigenous Architects of Phoenix

Maricopa Woman, 1907

Library of Congress

Several Indigenous peoples were directly connected to the early establishment of what is now Phoenix.  They were central to the development of the region.  They contributed knowledge, irrigation infrastructure, and agricultural expertise that helped sustain the early settler communities in the Salt River Valley.  Here are a few examples of their amazing contributions:

Hohokam
The ancient Hohokam civilization developed the extensive irrigation canals in the Salt River Valley between 300 and 1450 AD, which made the region viable for large-scale agriculture. These canals were later restored and used by settlers in the Phoenix area, directly influencing the city’s foundation and agricultural base.

Akimel O'odham (River People)
Descendants of the Hohokam, the Akimel O'odham continued to live in the region near the Salt and Gila Rivers. They maintained and adapted some of the Hohokam’s canal systems and practiced agriculture. The Akimel O'odham were instrumental in helping early settlers with knowledge of farming techniques and the local environment.

Piipaash
The Maricopa, or Piipaash, migrated to the area and allied with the Akimel O'odham along the Gila River. They contributed to the agricultural practices and trade network in the region, forming a mutually beneficial relationship with the Akimel O'odham. They brought unique traditions, such as pottery styles and cultural practices that have enriched the broader landscape of the area. 

We honor and are thankful for all that they did for the city of Phoenix in making it what it is today.