The practice of excarnation, specifically avian exposure of human remains, is legally sanctioned in limited geographical areas. This funerary custom involves placing a deceased person’s body on a high place to be consumed by scavenging birds, particularly vultures.
The performance of this tradition carries significant spiritual and cultural weight for certain communities. It is viewed as a final act of generosity, providing sustenance to living creatures. Historically, this practice arose in regions where the terrain made traditional burial difficult or cremation fuel scarce. The beliefs underpinning this custom often relate to the soul’s release from the body and a cyclical view of life and death.
