Safeguarding and Preserving Africa’s Ritual Objects in the Face of Modernity: The Mwaghavul Case

Abstract

The focus of this paper is to study ritual objects among the Mwaghavul people and their preservation as heritage materials for posterity. The paper looks into the ritual objects of the Mwaghavul and the challenges facing their preservation. In doing this study, primary and secondary sources of data were used. While rituals and ritual objects represent a major defining attribute of the Mwaghavul people, most of these objects are now abandoned on hilltops or caves, forest and rock shelters, and at the mercy of bad weather conditions and agents of destruction like termite, fire, and other things that can destroy them naturally. The paper admonishes that these materials are the people's heritage that deserve preservation. The paper identifies globalization, stereotype, migration of young people into the cities, human and natural factors, and activities of heritage looters as some of the contributory factors. The paper however argues that the challenges can be addressed through public enlightenment, provision of conducive worship environments for adherents of traditional Mwaghavul religion, introduction of traditional religion into our school curriculum and provision of good places for the preservation of ritual objects. The paper concludes that as an important aspect of their culture, the Mwaghavul people should ensure that their ritual objects are safeguarded and preserved for posterity.