An ethnoarcheological study of burial practices among the Abasuba of Rusinga island, Lake Victoria, Kenya

Abstract

This study examined the ethnoarchaeological burial practices of the Abasuba of Rusinga Island, 0 n Lake Victoria of Western Kenya. The burial practices, factors influencing their performance and inferences that can be made from the remains were the major issues that were probed. Specifically, the study aimed at investigating, documenting and explaining factors that influence the burial practices accorded the deceased Abasuba on the Island. The findings were also to be used in making archaeological inferences to assist in explaining and interpreting archaeological burials. The population consisted of all the adult residents or the Island. The study sample was purposively selected with individuals being the unit of analysis. Interview guides, a standard questionnaire with

open-ended questions and direct observation were the techniques of data collection. The d~ta were sorted out, described, interpreted and explained as per the research objectives. Ethnographic summaries, content analysis, direct quotations and selected comments from informants were used in the data presentation. Quantitative data were presented using tables of frequencies and percentages. The findings suggest that burial practices accorded the dead resemble the social position t hey held whilst alive. The society's perception and differentiation of its members are manifested in how the deceased are disposed of in this society. Social status, demographic factors and cause of death are the main factors influencing the Abasuba burial practices. Distance from the burial place, personal attributes and forces of modernization also dictate the way burials are conducted in the study area. The above factors manifest themselves physically in such things as the grave location, body treatments, body position and orientation in the grave. On the basis of the findings, archaeologists call in fer that burial practices are behavioural elements of socio-cultural systems and have material correlates. Understanding the contemporary burials facilitates the development and refinement of insights into the past behaviour.