A functional-semiotic investigation of traditional funeral rites and rituals in Elugwu Ezike in Igboland

Death is accompanied by the performance of a series of rituals and rites which connect the dead and the living. This study is a functional-semiotic analysis of burial rituals and rites in Elugwu Ezike, in Igboland, Enugu State, Nigeria. The main objectives of the study are to examine the context and functions, as well as signs and symbols, involved in funeral rituals and rites in Elugwu Ezike Igbo. Data for the study were collected through oral interview and participant observation at funerals in Elugwu Ezike, and documented materials on burial rites and rituals. The paper utilizes the functional and semiotic theories for the analysis of the data. It is observed in this study that burial rites and rituals are representations of cultural performances which mark a people’s life experience. These funeral rites and rituals are an expression of the people’s thoughts, emotions, social organization, and cultural identity. It is also observed in recent times that the waves of modernity, Islam and Christianity have had positive and negative impacts on the performance of traditional funeral rites and rituals in Elugwu Ezike.