The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

IN THE IBO TRIBE OF NIGERIA, WHENEVER A MAN COMMITS
AN ABOMINATION UNINTENTIONALLY, SUCH AS AN ACCIDENTAL
KILLING, HE AND HIS FAMILY MUST FLEE INTO EXILE TO
HIS MOTHER'S TRIBAL LAND BEFORE SUNRISE THE NEXT DAY.
AT THAT TIME, HIS FELLOW TRIBESMEN WILL DESTROY HIS
DWELLINGS AND REMAINING POSSESSIONS. NO HATRED IS INVOLVED
IN THIS; IT IS SIMPLY A WAY OF CLEANSING THE DESECRATED LAND.
THE FAMILY MUST REMAIN IN EXILE FOR SEVEN YEARS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 11-13-1987