The bereaved are to be comforted by the presence of their kin, friends and neighbours who come to support them, to bear witness to the dead. You sit, and often in silence. As time goes on or if you are not closely related you chat with those near to you. You drink and you eat cola nuts. There is pressure to participate, at the very least, by eating a piece of cola.
Some people come to the gathering, greet the bereaved, eat a piece of cola then leave.
Commensality and witchcraft are closely related. Neighbours and classificatory sisters cook so those closely involved do not have to. The funeral is an object lesson in social consequences. The persistence and continuity of the community is demonstrated by the rituals, and just as powerfully by the social action of being together. By attending the funeral you make a social statement that you want the social good.