The Role of Traditional Death Rituals and Social Memory in Peacebuilding in Mutare Rural District, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study focuses on the significance of traditional death rituals and social memory in peacebuilding processes between the living and dead and it attempts to discover the relationship between traditional death rituals, social memory and peace building in the lives of the Shona people in Mutare Rural District, Zimbabwe. A phenomenological approach was adopted because the study sought to tap people’s descriptions of their life experiences, beliefs, perceptions and their understanding of death rituals and social memory. A total of thirty-seven out of the purposively selected forty respondents for semi-structured interviews informed this study. This sample comprised of ordinary men and women, traditional leaders, leaders and members of the African Initiated Churches. Interviews revealed that a series of traditional death rituals and social memory are practiced to either prevent potential conflict or build sustainable peace between the living and the dead. This study concluded that death rituals and social memory which are characterized by negotiation for justice and equality, reconciliation with ancestors and the role of identity in transforming relationships have a significant role on peace building.