Laying to Rest Literary Giant Chinua Achebe

Hundreds gathered in the hometown of novelist Chinua Achebe for his funeral. The author of Things Fall Apart, Achebe was regarded as the father of modern African literature. See photos.

(Clockwise from top left) Sunday Alamba/AP; Sunday Alamba/AP; Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP/Getty; Jon Gambrell/AP

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Young people march at an event honoring author Chinua Achebe in Awka, Nigeria, on Wednesday.

Jon Gambrell/AP

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Professor Christie Achebe walks behind her late husband’s coffin during his funeral at Ogidi in southeast Nigeria.

Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP/Getty

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A woman sells magazines with a portrait of Achebe during an event in Awka on Wednesday.

Sunday Alamba/AP

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Eldest son Dr. Ikechukwu Achebe and widow professor Christie Achebe sing hymns during the funeral service.

Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP/Getty

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Pallbearers carry Achebe’s coffin.

Jon Gambrell/AP

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Pallbearers stand by Achebe’s coffin on stage.

Sunday Alamba/AP

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Mourners pray in front of a portrait.

Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP/Getty