Abstract: | Central and controlling feature of the funeral rites in the Niger Delta is the presence of the deceased at his or her own funeral through manifestation of the spirit during the proceedings. Although in many of the more important towns and villages of the Kalabari people (Eastern Delta) this type of funeral rite is absent versions of it do exist in several Kalabari communities. There is reason to believe that it is an ancient component of the culture. Described is the ikpataka dogi rite in the Kalabari village of Soku. Notes, ref. |