Graves Along the River

Floating down the Yukon River on a raft in 1883, Lt. Frederick Schwatka noticed that Indian graves were always located on the high bank of the river. He wondered why the graves were placed there because the river normally rapidly cuts into the high bank. Obviously graves so placed would not remain for long.

Why were the graves put on the high cutting bank of the river? Did the Indians realize that the graves usually would soon be washed away? If so, did the removal of the bodies by the river have a religious significance?

Anyone having knowledge on this topic, please write to Geophysical Institute, Fairbanks and share your thoughts.