Funeral practices in Freetown are varied with differences between typical Muslim and Christian practices. Muslims typically bury the body the same day, or the day after, the death, whereas Christians might wait for up to several weeks while arrangements are made. Muslims normally bury bodies in a shroud, whereas Christians use a coffin. The bodies are typically prepared for burial (washed) by family members.  This background paper gives more information on care and burial practices in Urban Sierra Leone.

 

Jonah Lipton / 2014 / Ebola Response Anthropology Platform