{UAH} The Banyankore did not believe that death was natural

The Banyankore did not believe that death was natural. Death was a result of witchcraft and malice. Whereas the Bairu buried their dead on the compound or plantation, Hima buried theirs in the kraal. During the burial, a woman was laid on her left and a man on his right. Just like many cultures in Africa, a man was mourned for three days and a woman four days. Mourning was a collective responsibility guided by some dos and don'ts. For instance, during mourning, manual work like tilling land was not allowed and anybody who defied the rule was castigated for performing an act that would attract misfortunes such as hailstorms to the community.

Death by suicide was treated with so much contempt that people dreaded touching the victim's body. So, whenever somebody committed suicide, their grave was dug right under the tree where they hung. Then, an elderly woman would be chosen and subjected to rigorous protective and cleansing rituals before she climbed the tree and cut the rope leaving the body to fall straight into the grave. Upon covering the grave in haste, people would leave the place and no mourning observed. The tree would be cut down and burnt and no one would collect the branches for firewood for fear of attracting damning misfortunes.

The death of a king attracted far-reaching consequences. According to some oral traditions, there was a belief in Ankore palace that a king always needed his wives and servants even after death. So, upon death, some of his wives and servants would commit suicide or at least be compelled to do so in order to accompany him. Where need arose, some members from some particular clans would be sacrificed to escort the king in his new journey.

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Allaah gives the best to those who leave the choice to Him."And if Allah touches you with harm, none can remove it but He, and if He touches you with good, then He is Able to do all things." (6:17)

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