The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

AMONG THE IBO TRIBE IN NIGERIA, SUICIDE IS CONSIDERED THE
ULTIMATE TABOO. A MAN WHO COMMITS SUICIDE MUST BE BURIED BY
MEMBERS OF ANOTHER TRIBE, BECAUSE HE HAS DESECRATED HIS BODY
AND HIS TRIBAL LANDS. THE MAN'S ANIMALS, IF HE OWNS ANY,
MUST BE SACRIFICED IN ORDER TO CLEANSE THE DESECRATED LAND.
HIS BODY MUST BE BURIED IN AN AREA CONSIDERED STRICTLY FOR
OUTCASTS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 11-13-1987