Examination of Symbolic Objects Used in Tachoni Last Rituals for Transition of the Dead

Symbolic objects in death rituals serve as crucial mediators between physical and spiritual realms, embodying complex cultural meanings that facilitate the deceased’s transition to ancestral status. This study examined the symbolic objects utilized in Tachoni last rituals for the transition of the dead to the spirit world, exploring their types, meanings, preparation protocols, and contemporary adaptations. A qualitative research design was employed with 200 purposively selected participants from Ndivisi location, Bungoma County, Kenya. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, observations, and questionnaires. Thematic analysis revealed six major categories of symbolic objects: traditional herbs and plants for purification and protection; oil lamps and lighting elements serving as spiritual guides; ceremonial cloths and textiles marking identity and status; sacred stones and natural materials connecting to ancestral power; ritual tools and instruments facilitating spiritual communication; and modern adaptations including photographs and religious texts. Each object category demonstrated specific preparation protocols, gender-based handling restrictions, and deep symbolic significance linked to Tachoni cosmology. Variations in object usage were primarily influenced by the deceased’s age, social status, cause of death, and regional differences. Despite modernization pressures, traditional objects maintain high spiritual efficacy, though adaptations include the incorporation of modern materials and Christian or Islamic elements. The study reveals how symbolic objects function as dynamic cultural technologies that negotiate between tradition and modernity while maintaining core spiritual functions.