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]
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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]
