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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Death and the hereafter among Banyankore, Uganda
Author:Ahimbisibwe, E.K.
Year:1990
Periodical:Journal of African Religion and Philosophy
Volume:1
Issue:2
Pages:7-25
Language:English
Notes:biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:Uganda
East Africa
Subjects:ancestor worship
African religions
death
Nyankole
Philosophy, Psychology
Nyankole (African people)
Traditional culture
Abstract:This study examines Kinyankore beliefs and practices on death and the life thereafter. Kinyankore philosophy is behind the thinking and ways of life of the Nyankore of Ankole District, western Uganda, inhabited by two ethnic groups: the Hima and the Bairu. An exposé on the Kinyankore concept of God is followed by a discussion of Bahima and Bairu myths of death. Next, causes of death are examined: old age, witchcraft, acts of the living dead (even if a person is physically dead, he is alive in the memory of those who knew him when he was still alive), curses, the breaking of taboos and customs, disease, wars and accidents. This is followed by an account of the burial ceremony, especially that of an elder, and an examination of the Banyankore belief in life after death. It seems that to a large extent the religion of the Banyankore centres on the living dead, 'omuzimu'. Omuzimu is given a place of residence in the spirit house ('Endaaro'), where it is consulted on all important occasions. Endaaro is important to Banyankore because it shows that life does not end with death but is continuous. Activities of the living dead include advising on marriage, carrying requests to Ruhanga (the creator of the universe), giving instructions on customs, causing destruction and misfortune, and controlling the evil living dead. When the last person who knew the living dead during his life departs, the living dead becomes a spirit and joins other spirits in the spirit world, where it enjoys life without end. Bibliogr., notes, ref.
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