Graves with Homes: Exploring the Urhobo Burial Tradition

Death, an inevitable experience, is accompanied by diverse cultures and traditions across the globe. From movies I've watched, documentaries I've seen, and stories I've heard, I've learned that some people cremate their dead, scattering the ashes in water, mountains, or forests, or burying them in sacred locations such as designated scattering gardens, homes, or private property.

Others store the ashes in ornate bottles or urns, often in a dedicated memorial site. Additionally, there are those who bury their dead in tombs, as seen in the burial of Jesus Christ, or in plots of land dug six feet deep to create a burial site.

I'm used to the traditional way of burying the dead, whereby when a family loses a loved one, they perform the burial rites. They dig a grave, lay the person to rest, cover the grave with soil, and construct a concrete slab of any design of their choice around the grave just as seen below.

But in Delta State, the traditional ways of burying the dead are exceptionally interesting and captivating. Since moving to Delta State, particularly Ajahgbavah village, I've observed a different practice. As I learned more about the culture of this community, I discovered a fascinating tradition and belief related to death and the afterlife.

One impressive aspect of this tradition is the way families care for their deceased loved ones. Here, after digging the grave and constructing the concrete slab, the locals also build a shelter over the grave. This additional structure is a unique aspect of their burial tradition.

Interestingly, the type of shelter built for the dead depends on the family's financial means. Some build structures the size of a single-room apartment with any architectural design of their choice, while others may use an existing room in their home.

From what I've learned, this practice is rooted in the Urhobo belief that the dead should be protected from the elements, such as rain and sun. They believe that a property owner should not be buried outside; burying the dead outside without shelter is somehow disrespectful.

Burying the dead outside is seen as a mockery, implying that the person was poor or didn't have well-to-do children. However, if the deceased doesn't own land, they will be taken to their father's land for burial.

One day, I visited one of the locals at their house. In the sitting room where we were seated, he narrated stories about his family and mentioned that his grandfather was buried beneath us, pointing to the floor of the sitting room. I was startled and reflexively lifted my legs, careful not to touch the ground after hearing his statement.

I was curious, so I went to inquire from a local resident. I asked the local if it was common for the Urhobo people to build on the spot where their ancestors were buried. He explained that it's not always the case, but sometimes families will build on land where their loved ones were buried, often after a significant amount of time has passed.

He illustrated this point by sharing his own family's experience. He mentioned that he has no memories of his father because his father had passed away when he and his siblings were very young. According to him, when his father died, he was buried on a plot of land with no shelter. Years later, when they had grown into adults, his elder brother decided to buy the land and build a house on the same plot.

Also, I noticed that many women in this community own their own buildings, which is quite common. I asked if this was because women want to ensure they have a place to be buried. What I learned was fascinating.

According to tradition, a wife cannot be buried on the same land as her husband, even if a married couple owns the land together. The husband can be buried on that land, but the wife cannot. Instead, she will be taken to her father's house for burial. This is why many women prioritize building their own homes—so they won't be buried outside.

I also learned that if a deceased person doesn't have children, they won't receive traditional burial rites. It's believed that children should bury their parents, and this might result in the deceased being buried outside. However, in such cases, organizations such as churches might step in to cover the burial costs, or someone might volunteer to take on the responsibility.

Finally, my time in Delta State as a corps member has given me the opportunity to learn about the Urhobo people's way of burying their dead. They build shelters over graves as a way of respecting and honoring their deceased loved ones.

I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks to you for taking the time to read this.🌺 💕

All images are mine except stated otherwise.

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