African burial practices

African burial practices are diverse and reflect cultural, religious, and ancestral beliefs across the continent. Common traditions include elaborate rites, funerals, and rituals honoring the deceased, often involving offerings, prayers, and ceremonies to ensure safe passage to the afterlife or ancestral realm. Some cultures practice body washing, dressing, and burial in specific locations like family plots or sacred sites. Ancestor veneration is prevalent, emphasizing continuity between the living and the dead. Practices vary widely among ethnic groups, influenced by local customs, spiritual beliefs, and social structures, highlighting a rich tapestry of death-related traditions that emphasize respect, remembrance, and spiritual harmony.