From ashes to ashes, dust to dust : cremation and the Shona concept of death and burial in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The increasing death rate in Zimbabwe, caused mainly by HIV/AIDS, has resulted in a shortage of burial space, especially in towns. This, along with the cost of burials, has sparked problems related to notions of death and the hereafter in Zimbabwe. Since 1992, cremation has been put forward as a way of alleviating these spatial and economic problems. However, this option is not very popular with the Shona people, who prefer to observe the conventional burial practices enshrined in their traditional culture. Whilst they are open to new, modern ideas, they are resistant to the notion of cremation, which is regarded as alien and “un-African”. They would rather exhaust all resources to have a traditional funeral. This article explores burial practices among the Shona people of Zimbabwe and their resistance to cremation. It contends that cremation is a viable alternative mode of disposal of the dead, as it is cost-effective and there are theological precedents for this practice.