Burial and Exhumation of Human Relics by the Wakyiwoso Ethnic Group in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: Revisiting the Ritual and Its Relevance

Eurementyney Mwacha – The Open University of Tanzania
Romwald Kairembo – The Open University of Tanzania
William Pallangyo – Tanzania Institute of Accountacy
Email: euremwacha@gmail.com

Abstract: This study assesses the burial and exhumation of human relics practised by the Wakyiwoso ethnic group in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, and looks for the relevance of this practise, namely rituals. It employs multivariate technics qualitative and constructivist Grounded Theory (GT) employing interpretivist paradigms to study the population. The criterion sampling was employed to select respondents by, age and social status, the study involved 80 respondents with age range of 50 to 100 years old. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), direct observation, and a questionnaire. The collected data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively through narrative description. The findings indicated that rituals of burial and exhumation evolved with time and were common to the Wakyiwoso ethnic group. It was further found that exhumation was relevant economically, psychologically, ecologically, and ontologically. The study recommends that this practice be formalised and extended, especially to urban and highly populous areas, in order to mitigate burial land scarcity. The practise is not only economically vital, but it will also improve health and aid in environmental conservation because of the straightforward burial followed by exhumation. It will limit the number of burials and free up land for other lucrative uses. It was also suggested that more research be done on the introduction of burial and exhumation practice in both publicly owned and religiously affiliated cemeteries.