This looks more like an old Islamist tradition where you would see only men wailing and beating themselves in this funeral rite. "The muslim woman does not wail, mourn or cry so loudly and uncontrollably so as to bring attention upon herself."
But wailing at funerals is an ancient custom in many parts of the world and is done by women. In Ireland it is called Keening. Keening is a form of vocal lament associated with mourning that is traditional in Ireland, Scotland, and other cultures.
Funeral Customs the World Over (1960): Look at Yugoslavia. This is an ancient custom of the Serbs. "Death among the South Slavs is first proclaimed by the wailing and moaning of women -- rarely joined by the men."
http://deuceofclubs.com/books/009fun.htm
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