This paper delves into the intricate relationship between vultures, material wealth, and marginalization within the context of Bhutan's Himalayan margins. The primary focus is on the diminishing practice of sky burial, which historically involved the retrieval of religious artifacts such as thigh bones and skulls. Through extensive fieldwork, this study aims to interpret the causes and consequences of the current decline in vulture populations and available resources. The utilization of death materials holds significant importance in Buddhist rituals within Buddhist and Tibetan traditions, serving various purposes ranging from household practices to those of yogis. However, the practice and the number of individuals involved in its execution are diminishing. By centering on the perspectives and experiences of the Bhutanese people who have witnessed and engaged in sky burial rituals, this research sheds light on the intricate interplay between cultural traditions, economic dynamics, and the vulnerabilities faced by marginalized communities. The findings of this study reveal that the decline in sky burial practices in Bhutan’s Himalayan margins have led to a scarcity of religious artifacts used in Buddhist rituals, such as thigh bones and skulls. This decline is influenced by various factors, including changes in the religious perspective of the local community and environmental changes, and it has significant implications for the cultural traditions, economic dynamics, and vulnerabilities faced by marginalized communities engaged in sky burial rituals.
