Despite the pervasive nature of class divisions across various facets of daily life, there is a dearth of literature concerning class divisions in corpse transportation and associated funerary practices. Through an analysis of funerary materials and the transportation methods of corpses, this research addresses this gap, exploring the relationship between social class and corpse transportation during funerary processions. In the easternmost part of Bhutan, Trashiyangtse, the mode of transporting the deceased reflects the individual's socioeconomic status. Wealthier individuals utilise wooden boxes, which may range from plain to elaborately adorned. The dead are securely enclosed within the box and bound by white fabric. Conversely, financially disadvantaged groups employ bamboo baskets known as shingrong for corpse transportation, with the body similarly covered and secured by white fabric. The use of the white cloth holds symbolic significance, drawing parallels to its traditional role in cradling newborn babies, now applied to enshroud the deceased. By studying the material culture surrounding this practice, it becomes possible to explore the underlying cultural values and customs. The study uses a combination of material culture analysis and ethnographic research, including participant observation and ethnographic interviews. This research is based on data collected during two-month fieldwork from December 2022 to January 2023, as part of the primary author’s undergraduate research project investigating funerals and funerary practices in Trashiyangtse. Thereby, we provide an opportunity to understand the cultural significance of materials used in funerals and the transportation of corpses, thereby offering insights into the social dynamics and class distinctions within the society.
