kigango

How to say it

Meaning

a carved wooden memorial post erected in honor of a deceased elder, in Mijikenda tradition.

Good to know

plural vigango; such posts are sacred to the Mijikenda people of the Kenyan coast and are traditionally never removed from their sites.

Examples

• Kigango kile kimesimama kwenye msitu mtakatifu.That memorial post stands in the sacred grove.
• Kigango hicho kiliwekwa lini kumkumbuka babu?When was that memorial post placed to remember the grandfather?
• Hairuhusiwi kuondoa kigango kutoka mahali kilipowekwa.It is not permitted to remove a memorial post from where it was placed.
• Wazee walilinda vigango vya mababu kwa heshima kubwa.The elders guarded the ancestors' memorial posts with great respect.