Tower of Silence

A dakhma, also known as a Tower of Silence, is a circular, elevated structure created by Zoroastrians for excarnation (the exposing of human corpses to the elements for decomposition) in order to avoid pollution of the soil and other natural elements. The meat is eaten by carrion birds, such as vultures and other scavengers. Skeletal remains are gathered in a central pit, where they will continue to weather and decompose.

The finding of ossuaries dating from the 5th and 4th centuries BCE in both Eastern and Western Iran suggests that bones were occasionally segregated, although separation by ceremonial exposure cannot be assumed: burial mounds with remains wrapped in wax have also been discovered. Non-exposure is also suggested by the tombs of the Achaemenid rulers at Naqsh-e Rustam and Pasargadae, at least until the bones could be recovered.

Location: Iran