Spirit House

The spirit house is a recent tradition among the Denaina Athabascan groups in southcentral Alaska. Early Alaska Natives in this region cremated the dead. Follow...
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The spirit house is a recent tradition among the Denaina Athabascan groups in southcentral Alaska. Early Alaska Natives in this region cremated the dead. Following conversion to the Russian Orthodox religion, some Denaina began to build spirit houses upon the graves of their loved ones. These houses are meant as a dwelling for the soul, believed to linger on earth for forty days. The colors are chosen to represent the family in some way. The houses are a very poignant memorial to loved ones who have passed, and may be quite ornate. They are combined with the distinctive Three-Barred Cross of the Russian Orthodox faith.

This spirit house is located in the Eklutna Historical Park.
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