essay

Circumcision and excision ceremonies

nubian ceremonial life : studies in islamic syncretism and cultural change • University Of California Press • Published In 1978 • Pages: 151-170

By: Kennedy, John G..

Abstract

This study shows how the traditional ceremonies around male circumcision have all but disappeared while those for females remain largely unchanged. The girls’ rituals continued to be important events for families, neighborhoods and kin groups, despite an increasing tendency to eliminate the ancient custom of infibulation in favor of a simple excision of the clitoris. The analysis links this gendered variation to shared meanings that equate girls’ circumcision with sexually desirable beauty and femininity, while boys’ circumcision is tied to Islamic notions of purity. Focusing on these justifications, the author disputes theories that explain circumcision rituals as rites of passage or "initiation rites." See Kennedy (1978 "Bibliography") for sources cited.

Region

Africa

Sub Region

Northern Africa

Document Type

essay

Evaluation

Creator Type

Anthropologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Teferi A. Adem ; 2020

Field Date

1963-1964

Coverage Date

1900-1964

Coverage Place

northern Aswan Governate, Egypt

Notes

John G. Kennedy

Includes bibliographical references

LCCN

74077726

LCSH

Nubians--Egypt--Religion