Death and the dead were greatly feared by the Wampanoags.[510] Theories as to the causes of death are little noted by the European chroniclers; there was, however, the idea that the death of a child could result from supernatural anger with the parent.[511] After death the “good” were thought to go to the southwest, where they would lead an idyllic existence. Less fortunate people were doomed to wandering about aimlessly.[512] Burial prepared the deceased for his journey to the southwest. Hazards were expected along the way (a large dog is one that is mentioned.)[513] For this reason, and because the afterlife was expected to be like earthly existence, the equipment of life—weapons, wampum, ornaments, pots, and the like were buried along with the dead.[514] In the case of children, the parents might make gifts of special ornaments and treasures and put them into the grave.[515] One specially appointed person, “commonly some wise, grave, and well-descented man” had the job of preparing the corpse for burial and committing it to the earth.[516] Woven mats were used to line the grave. Boards might be placed in as lining for the grave of an important person, likewise a greater wealth of possessions and richer covering of mats indicated a person of higher station.[517] The body was placed into the grave in a sitting position—arms were drawn across the chest and knees were bent up; it was covered with a mat.[518] To mark an important grave a skin mantle might be hung nearby and left there until it rotted.[519] It was also reported that monuments were raised over the graves of great men, but there is no indication of what these might have been.[520] There was considerable mourning and display of grief for the dead. Both men and women painted their faces black to signify grief.[521] Women would paint their faces as soon as an illness appeared to be serious, but men did not do so until death had occurred.[522] At the moment of death the assembled spectators would begin wailing and lamenting, men and women alike.[523]