The wake and burial part 2

The family members had brought us two bottles of local gin as is customary, to be shared by all in the group. First, the men poured it into a glass and drank, pouring a small amount onto the ground after their share. This leftover amount supposedly goes to the deceased. Molly was nervous to drink out of the same glass, but Renee was all for it. Molly convinced herself the alcohol would kill anything, so also took part. After them men drank, they passed it on to Renee and all of the locals cheered when she took a hearty shot. It was passed along the circle, and we all drank "to forget". After this custom, we marched through the village to the home of the family. On the way, We passed a large meeting of the Chiefs of the village and family members who were discussing funeral arrangements and investigating the death. At the home, a new palm leaf roof had been put up outside the home and men were hanging lights. Hundreds of kids were there dancing, drumming and singing with such a fervor it was almost trancelike. People were wailing and making special calls by tapping their mouths. The body was just inside the house behind a mud wall five feet away from the dancing. Chairs were brought out for the teachers to be able to sit and watch. They always treated us like a guest of honor everywhere we went. The celebration lasted well into the night. At times we looked at eachother and couldn't believe where we were and what we were witnessing. It felt like such an honor to be able to see and participate in such a intimate custom of this community. 

Funeral procession and burial to follow...