23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
The last glance.
This photo depicts part of a traditional Iranian burial ceremony. The person known as the ghassal (the washer of the dead) first washes the body with clean water and then wraps it in a white shroud called kafan before it is placed in the grave. In this image, you can see the ghassal after washing and wrapping the deceased in the kafan. This is the last time the dead is seen before being laid to rest in the earth.
Photo Detail
| Date Taken: | 09.2023 |
| Date Uploaded: | 11.2025 |
| Photo Location: | Iran |
| Camera: | ILCE-7RM4A |
| Copyright: | © Alireza Ghotbi Seyedmorteza |