Who placed their deceased in a squatting position as part of their burial practice?

The practice of placing the deceased in a squatting position for burial is notably associated with the Peruvians. This method reflects their cultural beliefs and traditions surrounding death and the afterlife. The Peruvians, particularly in ancient cultures like the Moche and Nazca, believed that positioning the body in this manner could be significant for spiritual journeys or for maintaining a connection with the earth.

In contrast, while the other groups also have distinct burial practices, they do not incorporate the squatting position as a recognized traditional method. The Mongolians typically engaged in sky burials, leaving bodies exposed to the elements and scavengers. The Guanches, indigenous to the Canary Islands, practiced mummification and burial in caves rather than squatting positions. Egyptians are famous for their elaborate burial rituals pertaining to mummification and tomb construction, showcasing their beliefs in an afterlife, which also does not include squatting as a standard practice.

Understanding these cultural contexts emphasizes the importance of burial practices in expressing beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife.