Funeral

As far as I know, it is uncommon in the United States to photograph a funeral. While a few shots of family and friends (the reunion aspect of the funeral) might be discreetly taken at the reception, I am fairly sure it is generally not appreciated to have photographers taking invasive pictures during the funeral procession and ceremony. Yet, continually we are reminded here in Tanzania that cultural stigmas are not universal. What is expected to happen (or to not happen) in various social settings is frequently quite different as one crosses into a different culture (see our entry on wedding-brides dated 11 August, 2010).

This has lead to many awkward-feeling and sometimes humorous experiences for us as we cannot help but base what is “normal” on the norms of our home culture. Yet, we have learned to take care to listen, to ask many questions and to trust our new Tanzanian friends to tell us what is appropriate… as not to offend.

So, when we were recently asked by a colleague of mine, who is also a Lutheran pastor, to do just that—to photograph the funeral of his sister, we reluctantly accepted. In retrospect, no one seemed to mind in the slightest. Another Tanzanian pastor who was attending the funeral helped us, taking up one of our cameras to get some really close shots (I guess we were too shy). What we came away with was the documentation of a Christian funeral in an authentic Tanzanian village. It is our hope that, using this funeral as a lens, you might be able to see and appreciate the beauty of the Tanzanian culture.

Before the service, family members do not mourn alone.

The whole community shares grief at the time of death. Although a picture cannot capture it, this room is full of women gathered together to mourn their loss. They sing hymns and spirituals together.

Outside, women wait, wearing kanga, the traditional clothing worn at funerals.

At the designated time, the coffin is carried from the home of the deceased to the church. Proceeded by the cross-bearer, it is passed along by hand. Every male in the community takes part at carrying the coffin toward the church.

In this picture you can see the cross-bearer leading the coffin through the village. The whole community shows unity and support by taking part in a funeral.

This little village-church is full...

so people gather outside.

After service, the men again move the coffin. There is no mechanism other than human cooperation to lower the coffin into the earth.

In memory of Sara Thomas (1973-2010)
And with our deep regard for her family,
May the hope of the resurrection bring comfort in this difficult season.