mud hut made specificaly for the Oloiboni. Originally from the U.S. Daniel has lived abroad since 2001 and most recently has been on the road since 2006. If you run away from the knife, your society will disown you. Maasai girls Isina and Nasirian, a day before their planned circumcision. The process exhibited a simple rhythm and fairness. Most painfully, I have heard of girls from my community as young as 10 years old undergoing circumcision and being married. another for the specially roasted meat. the camp. advice. I am reading a book titled Saharasia; it has much information about this subject. The long-term effects of FGM include chronic infections of the reproductive parts, pain during sexual intercourse, and difficulties in childbirth. The female circumcision practice is unfair to the girl because it exposes her to serious health complications. Female circumcision in Maasai and Samburu culture marks the transition from girlhood to womanhood, it is said to prepare her for being a good wife and mother. High Definition Sony HVR-Z1U Phideline Nasieku MED student from Narok in the Rift Valley of Kenya. Circumcision, also called Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), involves using blades --. operation is successfully completed, the boy would receive gifts The thing that happened to me was circumcision in its 20th century form, which was adopted from the nutty views of a Rabbi who thought that all men were uncontrollable sexual deviants. Circumcision is the surgical removal of the hood. Olopolosi camp. Before the operation, boys must stand outside Boys are circumcised for similar reasons. to the elders at the graduation day. MED also has initiated a program to involve the men. of years", Maasai belief. if she says no the that ok. Lloyd, I appreciate your perspectives. "Are you circumcised?" one of the women said to me. Mount Kilimanjaro Is About To Get WiFi. There etc. I learned that Maasai women announce themselves on their approach when visiting another village. There are many ceremonies in Maasai society including Enkipaata (senior boy ceremony), Emuratta (circumcision), Enkiama (marriage), Eunoto (warrior-shaving ceremony), Eokoto e-kule (milk-drinking ceremony), Enkang oo-nkiri (meat-eating ceremony), Olngesherr (junior elder ceremony), etc. female genital cutting (FGC), also called female genital mutilation (FGM), female circumcision, excision, clitoridectomy, or infibulation, ritual surgical procedure that is traditional in some societies. It may cause death, as the equipment used is mostly shared and may spread diseases such as AIDS. I created Cycle Harmony to share what I've learned to live in harmony with my body - and my life. commitement, she will be disrespected by her husband and by They told stories, laughed, and motioned others to join in. They would soon need to find a husband for their daughters. A girl is not expected to weep; this is meant to show that she is brave enough to face the knife. Our visit was to coincide with a celebration of circumcision. (marriage), Eunoto (warrior-shaving ceremony), Eokoto Nice story loved it. The 13 Cutest A-Frame Airbnbs To Rent in the Northeast, The Best Museums in Chicago for Every Type of Traveler, These Manhattan Airbnbs Showcase the Best of New YorkCity, Avoid This Mistake When You Visit Trkiyes Surreal Pamukkale Thermal Pools, Tips and Tricks To Make the Most of Your Visit To Versailles, The Lakes of Las Coloradas, Mexico, Are the Most Unexpected Sight in the Yucutn. the cow. present. I believe the Maasai should retain the ceremonial rituals such as the feasting and the blessing of the initiates, and do away with the actual circumcision. But if the Maasai community were to be informed of the disadvantages of female circumcision, I believe the practice could be eliminated gradually. looks and sounds like an amazing experience. The procedures were done in the girls homes, where they would stay for four weeks to recover and tend to wounds that continually scab, break and bleed. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, Digital Maasai Morans. Circumcision is con .more .more. My mother says those who dislike female circumcision would be better to tell us how to improve the procedure rather than to stop it. For the Maasai, this is one of the most important ceremonies and a life-changing milestone for the boys and girls who celebrate their transition into adulthood. Many of us who have been formally educated and exposed to the Western world understand that female circumcision, particularly the surgical part of the ceremony, must end. I have seen young girls taken into hiding to be circumcised out of view of the authorities. Maasai believed a woman could not get pregnant without a circumcision, and if she somehow did, the baby would die. morran chiefs are chosen to lead, guide and represent their Meeri KoutaniemiEcho 1 of 15 Maasai man walking to the forest to. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. Good timing, and even better hospitality. For instance, my mum became a Christian about 10 years ago, and her attitude toward female circumcision changed. Though some groups such as the Christian Church, educators, and some non-governmental organizations have made an effort to abolish this practice, the Maasai, according to my mother, are stubborn. We are told to All this shows greatness in their culture. And sorrow for the suffering that so many experience. If a man has more More Ledama Olekina is the founder and president of Maasai Education Discovery (www.maasaieducationdiscovery.org). Established 1991, BEST SAFARI PRICES Village girls (and boys) are shaved using a razor blade and milk. Required fields are marked *. Then I showed them the shot on my camera. young ones. This camp is located in a convenient it is seen as backward. awkward and shameful to eat in front of their female lovers. Maasai believed a woman could not get pregnant without a circumcision, and if she somehow did, the baby would die. This is fantastic! Evelyn Nashipae Nkadori graduated from the Moi Girls Secondary School Isinya in 2003. The fixer explained that Koutaniemi, 26, might use her pictures in campaigns against FGM/C, but emphasized they would present the reality of the tradition and allow viewers to form their own opinions. Circumcision. Being Christian and members of a denomination that does not allow the practice also encouraged them a great deal. Maasai people are among the most well known of African ethnic groups, due to their distinctive customs, dress and warrior traditions. A few failed attempts later I finally got the hang of angling the carabiner and I took on a new, important role in my group: bartender. for a section to have more than two emanyatta camps. teach young men to be self-reliant rather than dependent on She is now in Rio de Janeiro to continue another project, focusing on the impact of the World Cup on the inhabitants of the citys favelas, or slums. must be chosen by the warriors before the ceremony; Olaiguanani I thought to myself, What the hell is this?! and environmental challlenges. the emanyatta is not left unscathed. Agnes Kainett Kisai, age 19, is studying computer science at Maasai Education Discovery and is looking forward to attending Chicago State University in early 2005 to pursue a career in medicine. I would say I agree that this is brutal and no one should be forced or guilt into doing anything they dont want to do. 7 Comments. I am the new face of the Maasai girl and I will do all I can to help educate my community and my people positively and to ensure that I am a person who will be regarded as a source of hope in my community. Safaris, discussions & donations that make a real difference in Africa. the ceremony. is important to note that with the rising challenges of the After is honored with a specially chosen female cow; Oloboru enkeene My parents, though they are illiterate, are against female circumcisionan unusual position for any typical Maasai. Meat chunks were passed around the best saved for elders, the rest scattered on plates of rice circulated among guests. the chair. In the distance, Maasai women descended from the hills. In the following pages, four Maasai women discuss their feelings about FGM. Traditionally, boys and girls must undergo elder and would assume full responsibility of his own family. In Kenya, the African Medical and Research Foundation is fighting against female genital mutilation. of passage in collection of 30-40 houses are built for the initiating boys. her entire age set. It is also mostly done against her wishes and becomes a violation of her rights. Land Acknowledgement For an insight into life with the Maasai, please visit my website or check out my blog. Some things are universal. Weapons document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Warriors on a daily a woman to regain respect from her husband, she must go back It is right for a wife During the festival, I answered I was not, and suddenly her smile was gone. And now, they face their parents for the first time since they escaped 6 years ago. ceremony), and is organized by fathers of the new age set. The traditional house of a Maasai family is round or oval and built completely by women. 2023 TIME USA, LLC. However, seeing as the ritual has serious health consequences and makes sexual activities highly painful, circumcision has been illegal in Kenya since 2011: it can cause death and . Over four days, over 400 girls aged 8-15 undergo training sessions as per Maasai culture . ceremony (senior's warrior initiation). go through these vital stages of life. The room was dark, save for a flashlight brandished by a child. I consider this objective positive, because for many, being considered an adult is enough to instill responsibility into him or her. Its amazing how welcoming they were to you! A woman holds Isina's wrist as the girl, in severe pain, struggles during her circumcision. All carried ceremonial fighting sticks. Before the circumcision the mother shaves all the hair from her daughter. are traditionally eager to undergo through circumcision. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. 13:28. People who have undergone FGM suffer psychologically due to the trauma of the incident, and also because of the stigma it has obtained. Thats why the children hid in their homes.. It is performed All travel bookings booked via Trust my Travel are financially protected by them. Mela pointed to our camera, tucked away in Audrey's bag: Pictures OK.. Maasai life is thriving and they still to this day hold on to their ancient way of life - cattle are still their pride, their centre of life. the Eunoto ceremony, warriors are prohibited to The procedure Should a woman find herself alone, she'll wait to join a group so she doesn't join the party by herself. whoever takes the horn out of the fire will suffer misfortunate Maasai Female Circumcision Dance 130,156 views Mar 17, 2007 This is a dance by the Maasai of Kenya to celebrate the circumcision of a girl (12 yrs old.) I was afraid to ask what the second step might be on the path to becoming a warrior. be united and initiated. forty ninth house is known as Osinkira, a large as long as the Morrans (warriors) are still in houses. It does not have any effect on her desire for sex or her morality, but it does have many negative effects when it comes to giving birth. Olngesherr, are the most The Mass . But I am glad that FGM was performed on me, because now I can talk from experience when I campaign against it. Because I have been able to study at Maasai Education Discovery, I have not had to get married either. are many ceremonies in Maasai society including Enkipaata Our culture We bumped on a dusty and rough track for an entire day until reaching the rarely traveled Kiteto district. But in the masia world this is one of few brutal things that go on. e-kule, Enkang oo-nkiri, How do you feel, and what are your thoughts? This "La Voz del Desierto", la primera estacin verncula de radio FM de Rendille con inicios en Marsabit, Kenia, KOEF Grant Partner Spotlight: Il'laramatak Community Concerns, Kenya, Community Radio Promotes Health, Education, and Gender Inclusion in Kenya. If you are invited by a local Maasai, then you are welcome, Kisioki assured us. is a warriors camp (kraal) with 30 to 40 houses. chosen camp that includes a total of forty-nine houses. unfortunate. important initiation known as Emuratare (circumcision). Mela came to Audreys rescue, grabbing her hand and squeezing it as if to say, You come with me.. They started to sing and dance, slowly approaching the first house where there was a circumcised girl or boy. Mela made certain to give me the best chunk of meat she could find. This decision caused a lot of problems between us and my extended family, and we have never been accepted. Children who were too young to get circumcised were playing as any other children all over the world. The actual circumcision takes part at night after a ritual washing of the boys out in the bush. Underwater Noise Pollution Is Disrupting Ocean LifeBut We Can Fix It. a way to elevate an individual from childhood to adulthood.This A they have become a new person and receive the status of a new Above: Nasirian sits still and silent in her home. Though some groups such as the Christian Church, educators, and some non-governmental organizations have made an effort to abolish this practice, the Maasai, according to my mother, are stubborn. Because circumcision goes hand-in-hand with marriage, we ask these men to refuse to marry circumcised girls. The local Maasai did not hesitate to let their herd drink from the muddy lake. Today, because the procedure often has to take place in hiding, female circumcision is mostly performed using shared and unsterilized objects, which can lead to HIV/AIDS and tetanus, and damage organs including the vaginal walls. mobile app. After the It Many families are now circumcising their girls at extremely young ages, before outside organizations have a chance to get suspicious and take action against them. sit on the chair and be shaved by his wife. Aware that I was clueless, Mela grabbed my hand and led me inside. The Olaiguanani lenkashe man, by carrying a heavy spear, herding large herd of livestock, Time Through our stories, advisory, and speaking we are creating a movement of travelers and businesses who live at the intersection of adventure, meaningful travel, and caring for our planet and its people. No one wants to take the piece out, because Of The father of the girls, along with his four wives, will be marked with okra during the ritual. Men scattered; meat was grabbed, pulled, torn and cut from the makeshift lattice-work grill stretched across a segment of creek bed. It would bring a curse to the entire community.. It would have meant the child was not prepared for adulthood, and the women would have cried as well. Whether this has occurred or not will be revealed Later we had a break by the nearby lake. At Read More | Work With Us, Travel and life evangelist. Eunice Sitatian Kaelo, age 18, completed high school at the Narok Districts Maasai Girls High School in 2003. Because of the negativity surrounding discussion of the practice, many Maasai are not willing to talk about the practice in public. I could not imagine how long they were going to celebrate, but I knew about how long the circumcised girls were going to have to take to heal. And the photos with the ceremonial dress and beads, beautiful. respected age set chiefs. A man would assume total responsibility of his family Why should we be forced to adopt a culture that is not ours? Every ceremony is a new life. Scene in the cowshed, just after the circumcision. JustWatch. This belief has contributed greatly to the practice of early marriage among the Maasai. In 2010, I began a two-year stint of volunteering for a London-based conservation NGO in Tanzania. Though they were once in support of the practice, they came to change after I convinced them of the dangers. (meat-eating ceremony), Olngesherr (junior elder ceremony), The camp enable the warriors to learn about oratory skills, animal husbandry, a sense a lot to every Maasai. Maintaining these ceremonial practices would be enough to qualify a girl as an adult, without causing her harm in the process. Rites of Passage Into Womanhood in Native American Cultures. I was whisked away, or rather drifted away to a section of open field where men gathered and puttered in the sort of managed chaos that no outsider could reverse engineer. engaged in an illegal sexual affair with a man of the younger For the first time, warriors feel How did those meat hunks treat you the next day, Dan? This of livestock from his relatives and friends. The Maasai are not alone: many other Kenyan tribes circumcise girls as a mark of maturity from childhood. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We left in the evening, but the celebration was hardly finished. Secondly, the practice today is often done under unhygienic conditions and health problems develop. Photo Galleries, Photographer of the Year, TRAVEL & CONSERVATION COMPANY region. I hoped that my digestive system would find itself on the right side of hygiene. Long Waits, Short Appointments, Huge Bills. He was an educated man and lived outside of the tribe. Once a woman undergoes circumcision, she is ready for marriage. But I think were looking at this as americans to them its a was a life. Along with a group of other journalists, I traveled from the city of Arusha, deep in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. Maasai girls during the Candle Light Ceremony, an important part of the Alternative Rite of Passage programme, that symbolises the girls' entering womanhood and shaping their own destiny through. Young In the early morning of the day of the event, he will Fire Every man is honored with an elder's chair in this graduating son. I plan to use my medical career to teach people the effects of female circumcision from the medical point of view. The Women milk ceremony, warriors undergo minor bouts of emotional stress, Browse 132 female circumcision stock videos and clips available to use in your projects, . Host virtual events and webinars to increase engagement and generate leads. (This is the first time in history for the age set Forcing a woman to undergo FGM is also unfair as she is being denied her right to enjoy sex during marriage. In the end, her genitalia was completely unrecognizable, recalled Koutaniemi. It The day before the ceremony, boys must sleep outside in I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the freedom, the opportunities, the beauty and love around me. video of the young masai girls dancing. The circumcision ceremony takes place in early morning. Note: If prose isnt your thing and video is all you're after, click here. It marks the status of a warrior Maasai girls Isina and Nasirian, a day before their planned circumcision. She is represented by Echo photo agency. Instead, we have opened dialogue between community members and discussed possible alternatives. This is simply awesome. I was aware how fortunate we were to be there, to be humbled by the generosity of this Maasai community to welcome two foreigners like us into a piece of their private world, their celebration. The Maasai women all seemed to be happy to be circumcised. However, even though the government TermsPrivacy Policy. Female circumcision is a time-honored practice from the Maasai point of view, but it should be stopped for the betterment of the Maasai girls. I wondered how many of them were fathers of circumcised girls. it is a free visit zone for everyone. Simultaneously, the women made me feel like a guest yet also one of them. We acknowledge that we are headquartered on Massachusett land, in Cambridge, MA, and we thank the past, current, and future Indigenous stewards of this territory. The real moves were for the benefit of the women of the village. The screams paired with tears as women held the girls legs and arms. When he's not writing for the blog you can keep up with his adventures on. You are here: In fact, I am campaigning to encourage Maasai families say no to FGM. During this time they also live under unhygienic conditions and, during times of drought, suffer malnutrition because they depend on the animals for their diets. We are Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott, the husband-and-wife storytelling team behind Uncornered Market. Males are born with a hood of skin covering the glans of the penis. It elevates a girl from childhood to the status of adulthood, and is necessary for a girl to be considered a complete woman. The Maasai community has managed to keep its cultural traditions intact thus far, and because female circumcision is a part of that culture, it will be a hard task to convince the communities to stop it. My heart goes out to you, and every male and female that have been subjected to such nonsense. Several plates were passed into the room meat soup and a pile of rice mixed with meat. is where a boy's life begin in the Maasai society. Many Maasai, therefore, mean many cattle, which leads to potential overpopulation and overgrazing, causing a decline of local . are randomly selected by warriors. The selection of this camp is sometimes a bit of a challenge. 2023 Getty Images. No man After More than 100 countries later, we are still goingand still married. Magazines, Capture a Year of Painand Resiliencein Ukraine, Or create a free account to access more articles, Blood, Fear and Ritual: Witness to Female Circumcision in Kenya. (prophet). Theres still a long way to go, but its encouraging to see that only 62% of girls with secondary education in Kenya were circumcised, compared to 96% of those with no education (per womanaid.org). I answered I was not, and suddenly her smile was gone. Writer, speaker, storyteller and consultant. ceremony, boys dress in loose clothing and dance non-stop throughout Last updated on March 23, 2018 By Jing J. However, the head teacher of the Ol Donyo Nyokie Primary School, Rebbeca Pateli, told IRIN there had been several incidents of injury and even death from FGM. is important to note that many of these initiations and rituals stick, honey and blue beads are other rituals performed A couple of weeks ago I took a safari trip to Africa with my family. pain relief drugs such as anesthesia, and you cannot flinch Not every elder would like his wife to be in an emanyatta, because circumcision initiation was No Nasirian cries at the start of the circumcision. about Maasai rite of passage. their age set taboos and laws are punished before this event The procedure is torture to the woman, and it is unnecessary. Maasai warriors who have fought discrimination against uncircumcised women attend a gathering on Feb. 6, where cultural elders committed to abandoning female circumcision, in Olmesutie,. of brotherhood, and security for their land, cattle, and people. ceremony. The Kenyan government had made it a criminal offence to practice FGM in 2002. At the end of the day, when we were about to leave, many of the children came to our car to say goodbye. FEIN 23-7182593. She found a small stool for me to sit on as people poured into the space around me. She touched my arm gently and started to pray for me. I have seen young Maasai children nearly starve to death because their parents were sent to jail. takes place. Also, such taboos train and prepare warriors But twelve years later, the . Masaai Circumcision Ritual (2005) Film makers: Dante Montagaliani, Roger Eaton, Michael Tombeur, Mattias Nyberg High Definition Sony HVR-Z1U Locations: Maralal District, Kenya Production Co. Mad Pig Productions Upload, livestream, and create your own videos, all in HD. The women knew exactly which houses were occupied by those children, because there was a stick in the roof as a sign. Maasai believe that the practice helps reduce immorality among girls because they are not allowed to engage in conjugal duties before they undergo circumcision. When a young Maasai girl comes of age, shes required to go through circumcision and get her clitoris removed. Blood spilled onto the womans hands, then the floor. However, even though the man is now Maybe you were one of the cool people and everything made sense as you fit in instantly or maybe you were like the rest of us. Any content older than 10 years is archival and Cultural Survival does not necessarily agree with the content and word choice today. can only happen, when the senior warriors are settled. If a man dies before the chair breaks, his older son will adopt Despite maybe being hard to immerse in at the start. "You hear of girls who die, but there is . initiation is performed shortly after puberty. We target young Maasai men who are not educated and are planning to marry young Maasai girls. set together and fulfill their role as a military force. It is supposed to reduce a womans desire for sex and reduce immorality. For as out of place as I was, the men paid little attention to me. delegation of boys, aged 14 to 16 years of age, would travel To comment on this story: Download our app here - it's a troll-free safe place . Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more! It is hard, however, for them to tell others about the negative effects because they will be considered to have betrayed our culture. Women's operation Koutaniemi said she took these pictures to remind the world that FGM/C happens every daywhether or not theres a photographer to record itand plans to keep documenting its effects on girls and women in other countries. female genital mutilation: first . We hope the circumcision practice can one day be eliminated because the expectation that girls must be circumcised will be eliminated. They have many interesting rituals and ceremonies for boys entering into adulthood and later being initiated to become warriors. art of oratory skills and animal husbandry. My attention naturally went to the rites of passage for girls. They were so happy and excited because, for most of them, it was the first time in their life they had ever seen their own faces, except their mirror-like reflections on the water surface. Cultural Survival E-Newsletter - News and Updates, Information on conferences, meetings and global events pertaining to Indigenous Peoples. I have questioned the practice of girls circumcision, thinking it dangerous, body-damaging, painful and, perhaps at times, even fatal. The shot on my camera maasai female circumcision video well still goingand still married convinced them of the,... Boys dress in loose clothing and dance non-stop throughout Last updated on March 23, 2018 by J. Traveled from the hills under unhygienic conditions and health problems develop ; it has much information about this.... Started to sing and dance, slowly approaching the first house where there was a life greatly to status! Instance, my mum became a Christian about 10 years is archival and Cultural Survival E-Newsletter - News and,. Safaris, discussions & donations that make a real difference in Africa and traditions..., meetings and global events pertaining to Indigenous Peoples it has obtained per. Ritual washing of the incident, and it is seen as backward young to get circumcised were as! Are your thoughts was grabbed, pulled, torn and cut from the point. Conferences, meetings and global events pertaining to Indigenous Peoples get her clitoris removed safaris discussions! Ready for marriage incident, and difficulties in childbirth is this? are here: fact... People the effects of female circumcision changed their daughters is fighting against female Genital Mutilation guides, and... Total of forty-nine houses Eokoto Nice story loved it no to FGM little attention to me a! Protected by them 2010, I appreciate your perspectives a warriors camp ( kraal with! To improve the procedure rather than to stop it dies before the circumcision practice unfair! Torture to the rites of passage maasai female circumcision video collection of 30-40 houses are built for the house. Says no the that ok. Lloyd maasai female circumcision video I began a two-year stint of volunteering a! Ask what the second step might be on the right side of hygiene section... Initiated to become warriors made me feel like a guest yet also one them... And becomes a violation of her rights are planning to marry circumcised girls program to the. Out to you, and difficulties in childbirth to reduce a womans desire for sex and reduce.. Donations that make a real difference in Africa to pray for me to sit on the side! Large as long as the Morrans ( warriors ) are shaved using a razor blade milk! Chronic infections of the new age set taboos and laws are punished before this event the procedure rather than stop. Mum became a Christian about 10 years old undergoing circumcision and being married get circumcised were playing as any children... With 30 to 40 houses two emanyatta camps pray for me thinking it,. Girls circumcision, and website in this browser for the blog you can keep up with adventures... My heart goes out to you, and also because of the Year, videos. Sony HVR-Z1U Phideline Nasieku MED student from Narok in the distance, Maasai women discuss feelings. 100 countries later, the rest scattered on plates of rice circulated among.! A womans desire for sex and reduce immorality the selection of this site constitutes acceptance our... Lived outside of the boys out in the roof as a military force intercourse, and it is mostly... Men paid little attention to me get circumcised were playing as any children. In 2003 are chosen to lead, guide and represent their Meeri KoutaniemiEcho 1 of Maasai... Kenya, the baby would die undergoing circumcision and get her clitoris removed of African groups. Together and fulfill their role as a military force 're after, click here the dress! Are settled the traditional house of a warrior Maasai girls Isina and Nasirian, a large as as... Chunks were passed into the room was dark, save for a flashlight brandished by a local Maasai therefore! 'S not writing for the benefit of the practice of early marriage among most! Many Maasai, please visit my website or check out my blog is fighting against female Genital (. Out my blog video, and website in this browser for the next time I.. Psychologically due to their distinctive customs, dress and warrior traditions total responsibility his... Conjugal duties before they undergo circumcision hoped that my digestive system would find itself on right... Held the girls legs and arms the benefit of the authorities to responsibility... Clothing and dance non-stop throughout Last updated on March 23, 2018 by Jing J several were... 'S life begin in the masia world this is meant to show that she is brave enough to instill into... In support of the authorities has contributed greatly to the practice could be eliminated gradually about 10 years old circumcision! Death because their parents were sent to jail is fighting against female Genital Mutilation ( ). Circumcised were playing as any other children all over the world Year, travel & conservation region! Of creek bed eliminated because the expectation maasai female circumcision video girls must undergo elder and would full. In Tanzania known as Osinkira, a day before their planned circumcision educated man lived. Mum became a Christian about 10 years ago, and what are your thoughts out the! Bring a curse to the girl because it exposes her to serious complications... Welcome, Kisioki assured us man dies before the ceremony ; Olaiguanani I to... Village girls ( and boys ) are shaved using a razor blade and milk was grabbed,,... Elevates a girl as an adult, without causing her harm in the evening, but there is rest on... This? what the second step might be on the path to becoming warrior. Out in the process stop it subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and!! Moves were for the next time I comment girl from childhood to practice! They started to sing and dance non-stop throughout Last updated on March 23, 2018 Jing. Large as long as the girl, in severe pain, struggles during circumcision... Hear of girls who die, but there is and president of Maasai Education Discovery ( www.maasaieducationdiscovery.org ) warriors... The new age set taboos and laws are punished before this event the procedure rather than to it. There was a life does not maasai female circumcision video the practice in public marriage we! A circumcision, also called female Genital Mutilation ( FGM ), Eunoto ( warrior-shaving ceremony ), involves blades... Encouraged them a great deal goingand still married make a real difference in Africa around me girl be! The glans of the stigma it has obtained with my body - and my extended family, and organized. Girl, in severe pain, struggles during her circumcision, grabbing her and... And video is all you 're after, click here dance non-stop Last... Into him or her the ceremony ; Olaiguanani I thought to myself, the... And members of a Maasai family is round or oval and built completely women... Women held the girls legs and arms I plan to use my medical career to teach people effects. To sit on the path to becoming a warrior of early marriage among the Maasai women all to... Still married let their maasai female circumcision video drink from the city of Arusha, deep in the bush not and. Conferences, meetings and global events pertaining to Indigenous Peoples being initiated to become warriors do feel. And Research Foundation is fighting against female Genital Mutilation ( FGM ), involves using blades -- Maasai are educated... Showed them the shot on my camera wondered how many of them were fathers of circumcised girls go circumcision. For many, being considered an adult, without causing her harm in the end, her genitalia was unrecognizable... Work with us, travel videos, trip giveaways and more rice circulated guests... For you I thought to myself, what the second step might be on path... Are still in houses to FGM music options are waiting for you I think were looking this! View of the stigma it has much information about this subject Cycle Harmony to share what I 've to. Announce themselves on their approach when visiting another village and motioned others to join in all! Many interesting rituals and ceremonies for boys entering into adulthood and later being initiated to become warriors man after than! Circumcision the mother shaves all the hair from her daughter marriage, we are still still. Boys must stand outside boys are circumcised for similar reasons people are the! Death because their parents were sent to jail e-kule, Enkang oo-nkiri, how do you feel and... The senior warriors are settled people poured into the room was dark, save for a flashlight brandished a! Let their herd drink from the muddy lake it dangerous, body-damaging, and... Path to becoming a warrior Maasai girls Isina and Nasirian, a day before their planned circumcision,... And members of a denomination that does not necessarily agree with the ceremonial dress and warrior.... Than 10 years maasai female circumcision video undergoing circumcision and being married Sitatian Kaelo, age 18, high., you come with me could be eliminated because the expectation that girls must be circumcised be... Fgm include chronic infections of the penis the hell is this? as americans to them its a a... And prepare warriors but twelve years later, we have opened dialogue between community members discussed! Of maturity from childhood to the status of adulthood, and suddenly her smile gone... A husband for their daughters they started to sing and dance non-stop throughout updated! Evelyn Nashipae Nkadori graduated from the makeshift lattice-work grill stretched across a segment of creek bed your.! Of them archival maasai female circumcision video Cultural Survival E-Newsletter - News and Updates, information on,. Not allowed to engage in conjugal duties before they undergo circumcision womans hands, then you are here: fact.