Dr Paul Allen

In Namibia, near the border of Angola, is a village cemetery where the grave of a famous missionary is buried. Two men kneel before another grave, bent over in humility, lips moving silently in prayer. After some minutes, they move to the next grave marker, then the next, and the next. They say later that they are praying to their ancestors.  Defining Ancestor Worship This is not uncommon in Africa. Veneration of ancestral spirits permeates traditional African culture as commonly as drumming and dancing. In the traditional African religion (ATR), the ancestors demand respect and remembrance. Honouring them will lead to blessing. Neglecting them will cause misfortune.  Variations of ancestor worship exist throughout Africa, but the main idea remains the same. Every person at death becomes an ancestor. The word 'xikwembu' in the Xitsonga language (lowercase x) is the same word for God (capital X). These 'swikwembu' (gods) are sometimes called 'vakokwan'i (grandpar