Unpacking the death-cleansing rituals in Africa: A comprehensive literature review (CLR)

Pelewe Mphephu, Rendani Tshifhumulo, Pfarelo Matshidze and Lufuno Makhado
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Pelewe Mphephu: University of Venda
Rendani Tshifhumulo: University of Venda
Pfarelo Matshidze: University of Venda
Lufuno Makhado: University of Venda

International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), 2025, vol. 14, issue 5, 533-540

Abstract: Many African communities observe intricate death cleansing rituals that serve as both spiritual and social mechanisms for navigating bereavement. These ceremonies help individuals and families process their grief while reinforcing social bonds and cultural identity. This abstract aimed to distil key findings from the literature review, examining the sociocultural, psychological, and ritualistic dimensions of death-cleansing practices within an Afrocentric paradigm. The CLR synthesises ethnographic accounts, historical narratives, and contemporary academic discourses on death-cleansing rituals. Key theoretical lenses include Ubuntu philosophy, communal bereavement practices, and cultural continuity frameworks. Balobedu death cleansing rituals are deeply embedded in notions of community solidarity, spiritual appeasement, and ancestral veneration. These rituals serve as transitional rites that guide the deceased and the bereaved through structured mourning and reintegration into communal life. The literature highlights the tensions between traditional practices and modern influences, including legal constraints and evolving gender roles. The CLR underscores the resilience of Balobedu death cleansing rituals despite external pressures. Understanding these practices through an Afrocentric lens affirms their significance in maintaining cultural heritage and collective identity in contemporary African societies. Key Words:Afrocentricity, Ubuntu, South Africa, Challenges, widows, gender, culture, African context.

Date: 2025
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