Exhumation ceremony (Schroeder, n.d.)
Scope and Contents
Slides of Africa from various sources; these slides document a variety of topics such as agriculture, landscapes, city scenes, villages, architecture, industry, transportation, commerce, and people, from throughout Africa during the 20th century.
Dates
- Majority of material found within 1960 - 2000
Conditions Governing Access
There are no restrictions on use of the materials in the department for research; all patrons must comply with federal copyright regulations. To inquire about access to this collection, please contact the Herskovits Library at africana@northwestern.edu.
Extent
From the Collection: 99 Boxes (99 slide boxes.)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
General
Ancestors are exhumed for the purpose of gaining their blessing for an important occasion like a marriage. Villagers unwrap the dead ancestors and then rewrap them in beautiful linens for the purpose of requesting their blessing. Villagers erect a covered tent over a stretcher bearing the bodies and bring it back to the village. There, they build a special tent and keep vigil by it, dancing and making music. After a day long party, the ancestors are returned to their tombs. Sacrifices to ancestors include honey, chicken, peanuts, and candy
Library Details
Part of the Melville J. Herskovits Library of African Studies Repository
Main Library, 5th Floor, East Tower
1970 Campus Drive
Evanston IL 60208-2300 US
847-467-3084
africana@northwestern.edu