Death and the sociocultural dimensions of forced relocations: experiences from the Tugwi-Mukosi displacement in Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe

This article is an ethnographic inquiry into the cultural dimensions of forced relocations. It based on experiences four resident anthropologists displacements at Tugwi-Mukosi in Masvingo province, Zimbabwe. Using concept death, we question idea belonging and what regarded as “honourable” way exiting this world. These are interwoven fabric most Zimbabwean communities any phenomenon that severs tie to home a cause discomfort pain amongst local people. Forced have altered issues honour associated with death rituals. We use rituals window understand sociocultural effects displacement. Novel ways dealing witnessed people struggle lack permanent “home.” The sacredness has been reconfigured left displaced struggling find closure dead. Death give us opportunity multifaceted Through experience displacement, chords bind together witness enduring social bonds structure life beyond disruptions