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Overview:
This site is dedicated to West African culture. It is a look into the
funerary traditions, spiritual beliefs and related art of various tribes including the Ga, LoDagaa,
Yoruba and Ashanti. I will discuss concepts of death and the afterlife
in these West African cultures in connection with their respective
mortuary rituals. I have included a page on the integration of Kongo beliefs and
style in African American folk art, which I hope you will find as
interesting as I do. I also have a page of reference maps that will
help you locate the areas of Africa in which these cultures are centered. The sources I used
to gather information
for the site provided me with detailed descriptions of funerals for men, however
I could not find
information on funerals for women. So keep in mind while you navigate
my site, that funeral traditions do differ between the sexes, and I have not
included traditions involved in female burials.
Death As a Beginning: In West Africa, dying
is not seen as a tragedy, but rather as a rite of passage or initiation. Birth, death and rebirth are on a continuum and the
spirit is preserved eternally. If given a proper funeral, the deceased will
become an ancestor. Ancestors are regarded as the most powerful members of
society. In traditional West African cultures, ancestor worship is
a daily practice. The dead are revered and honored through sacrifice, annual festivals
and personal worship. In this way the deceased are incorporated into
everyday life. Funerals are community events lasting several days. Villages
shut down for the duration so that all may attend. This liminal period between death and ascension to ancestorhood is a critical
time that must be dealt with properly. Funerals are public displays of
solidarity and include feasting, music, dance and celebration. These elaborate celebrations ensure
that the spirit of the deceased is appeased and will make a successful
journey to the afterlife.
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