Death during the Initiation Period

It happed that death knew no time. To young men it encroached at such a time that life was sweet. And a woman would be cooking food to be served to all whom her son shared an initiation shade not knowing that the person who made her cook in such a great care was no more. Only the child's father or a near elder was informed and the secret kept. The dead boy would be burried or preserved distance from the itumbi and be 'exhumed' for purposes of burial a day before celebrations to mark the end of initiation. For very early in the morning a mudiri lead a clarion;

Wari hano ng'ende zayeveya
Wari hano ng'ende zayeveya
Yee, wari hano ng'ende zayeveya

(The one who was here worms burrow
The one who was here worms burrow
Yee, the one who was here worms burrow)

Somebody must hear them sing by the homestead entrance. Then they would keep still to be received. And a woman would pierce the early morning's peace. Her son, oh her son would not make it to being a man. Death, cruel death took him while in the forest. Irresponsible death that cut young suckers.

The accompanying elders made the necessary custos. Koromba musango. An imburi or rigondi was sacrificed. Vose offered. And an elder would speak....

Yee yivi nguyu ukarichi wari murara kukunyi.

(Yee you have been cut who was one of us)

Utagwa kirage wayirana kovoyavoya.
(Do not be stubborn to revisit)

Uzie vwera imagombe yivi murara.
(Go well to hades you alone)

Wuruswa wakuvugura ukammanye yivi mwene.
(The evil one who took you know by yourself)

Then the family is told as to situations that lead to the death of the boy. He is buried and forgotten.