Abstract: The aim of this study was to have in-depth information from oral traditions, literature, and myths depicting the emergence of the Wakyiwoso of Kilimanjaro using agricultural and post-mortem ritual features. The study employed a multi-variant methodology. It used a sample of 88 people who volunteered to participate. Criterion sampling was used, whereby the study involved only respondents who were senior by age, ranging from 50 to 100 years old, and had a good reputation in society. Qualitative data were collected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focused group discussion, and observation and presented thematically using stories, anecdotes, legends, and myths. The findings depicted that the Wakyiwoso were a collection of many origins, some from neighbouring ethnic groups and others coming from as far as the Horn of Africa, the Coast of East Africa, and Madagascar. The broad spectrum of blending makes this ethnic group have diverse physical features and some postmortem ritual differences. However, the rituals, as part of culture, are so dynamic that no one can decide who the proto-Wakyiwoso were by themselves. More studies using new technology, such as DNA and whole genome sequencing (WGS), are needed to determine the sources of the first Wakyiwoso stock in Kilimanjaro.

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.