A Functionalist Account of the Mortar-Firing Rite in the Funeral Discourse of the Anufɔ

This paper examines the ritual symbolism of the mortar-firing as a pivotal rite across the phases of funeral performances in pan-African societies, particularly within the Anufɔ ethnolinguistic context. Applying functionalism theory, and using qualitative ethnographic method, the paper examines (i) the funeral discourse within which the mortar-firing rite is observed across the main stages of funeral events among the Anufɔ, and (ii) the symbolic roles of the mortar-firing rite of performance. The paper has demonstrated that across varied funeral contexts among the Anufɔ, performances of the mortar-firing rite are not merely arbitrary symbolic acts but structured mechanisms with pragmatic functions. The findings indicate that the rite symbolises: ennoblement and honour; eulogy; appreciation, communal tribute; and pragmatically drives away wildlife. The paper contributes to the research on death and dying in Africa; thus, it expands our understanding of the role of the mortar artefact in the funeral discourse of pan-African societies.