essay

Circumcision and excision ceremonies

nubian ceremonial life : studies in islamic syncretism and cultural changeUniversity 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.
Subjects
Body alterations
Gender status
Prayers and sacrifices
Ethnopsychology
Sexuality
Gender roles and issues
culture
Nubians
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Northern Africa
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Anthropologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Teferi A. Adem
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