Death Braids

The Dirkha people are not known for their large, luxurious parties or funerals. Instead, they celebrate more subtly and quietly. Much of this celebration is done with their braids. So, what happens to the braid when a loved one dies among the Dirkha people?

Starting with the Men. When a man dies, his braid is cut before he is buried. If he were married, the hair goes to the wife, the beads go to his children, and surviving family members then to friends. If the wife died before him, the hair and beads would be split between the children and surviving family members, then given to friends. If the man was single or a child, the braid and beads first go to parents if still living, siblings, then friends, lover.

Much is the same when a woman dies. However, the braid is cut just below the shoulders, leaving a small braid and ribbons that she is buried with. The Hair and ribbons are divided between the husband if married, then to the surviving family members, children, and then friends. If the woman was single or a child, much like the men’s is split between parents, siblings, friends, then lover.

What do the Drikha do with the hair, ribbon, or beads from a family member, friend, or lover? Braid it, creating an accessory that is carried on even into the grave. These accessory braids are called Death Braids. Each one is very unique and special to the ones who carry it. Each Drikha creates their own with what they are given. How they braid and add the beads is up to each person to decide. There is no set way to do it. However, it is stated that the only ribbon that you can add to help create it is black. This was started because when Men would die, many got the beads but nothing else.