essay

Nubian death ceremonies

nubian ceremonial life : studies in islamic syncretism and cultural changeUniversity Of California Press • Published In 1978 • Pages: 224-244

By: Kennedy, John G..

Abstract
This is a description and analysis of Nubian funeral and grieving ceremonies. The ceremonies reveal a syncretistic complex of orthodox and popular Islamic practices with elements of ancient Nubian religious ritual. The author focuses on socially-expected roles and specific practices, involving cultural symbols, collectively-enforced taboos, organized feasts, and periodic sacrifices that served as important vehicles for reproducing this ritual complex. Underlying each ceremony are Nubian cultural values regarding communal sharing and mutual help, fertility, virility, and health. See Kennedy (1978 "Bibliography") for sources cited and Kennedy (1978 "Photographs") for relevant images.
Subjects
Drives and emotions
Functional and adaptational interpretations
Mutual aid
Nonfulfillment of obligations
Death
Eschatology
Prayers and sacrifices
Avoidance and taboo
culture
Nubians
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Northern Africa
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Anthropologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Teferi Abate Adem ; 2020
Field Date
1963-1964
Coverage Date
1900-1964
Coverage Place
Aswan Governate, Egypt
Notes
John G. Kennedy
LCCN
74077726
LCSH
Nubians--Egypt--Religion