Saying Goodbye a Special Farewell to Mama Nkwelle

In this child’s-eye view, a little boy called Ikenna describes what happens at the ceremonial goodbye given to his great-grandmother, Mama Nkwelle, after her burial.
On the big day a 21-gun salute is fired, the priest says prayers and dancing begins to the sound of drums. Later, Ikenna watches as people gather to remember Mama Nkwelle and shares memories with them. Finally he plants his own special memorial, knowing that he will never forget her.
Ifeoma Onyefulu’s text and photographs treat the death of a much-loved relation in a thoughtful and sensitive way, with fascinating insights into the funeral customs of an Igbo village.