Circumcision Dress Collection

Kenya, South Horr, Kurungu. A Samburu youth after his circumcision. The day after he has been circumcised, the initiate must hang in his pierced earlobes copper ear ornaments that are normally worn

Dressed in his black goatskin cloak, a Samburu boy puts his bundle of sticks, staves and gum on the roof of his mothers house

In the weeks leading up to their circumcision, Samburu boys gather frequently to sing the lebarta, a circumcision song with a slow, haunting melody whose words are ad-libbed to suit the occasion

Msai youth with decorated face
Black clothing and the intricate white patterns on the face of this Msai youth of the Kisongo section signify his recent circumcision

Samburu initiates sing during the month after their circumcision. As their wounds heal, their dances become more energetic

A Samburu initiate with bird skins hanging from his headband. While their wounds heal for a month after circumcision, initiates spend their time wandering in the countryside attempting to kill as

A Samburu initiate takes aim at a bird with a blunt arrow. While their wounds heal for a month after circumcision, initiates spend their time wandering in the countryside attempting to kill as many

A Samburu mother shaves her sons head outside her home the day before he is circumcised. Round her neck hangs his nchipi - the distinctive decoration of every boy who participates in the circumcision

Mothers rub animal fat into their sons cloaks to make them supple. This task is performed shortly before the boys set out on an arduous journey to collect sticks, staves and gum to make bows

A Samburu youth is forcibly restrained after throwing a fit in the tension-filled days leading up to his circumcision. It is not uncommon for Samburu youths and warriors to succumb to hysterical

A Samburu boy in reflective mood after his circumcision. A day after the ordeal, he will hang in his pierced earlobes copper earrings normally worn by married women

A Samburu youth, his head freshly shaved, has milk poured over him from a wooden gourd-like container decorated with green grass prior to his circumcision

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In the remote villages of Kenya, such as South Horr and Kurungu, a significant rite of passage takes place for young boys - circumcision. Dressed in his black goatskin cloak, a Maasai youth prepares himself mentally and physically for this important event that marks his transition into manhood. In the weeks leading up to their circumcision, these brave young men undergo various rituals and preparations. With their faces adorned with intricate decorations, Samburu initiates sing songs filled with ancient wisdom during the month-long period after their circumcision. The sight of a Samburu initiate with bird skins hanging from his headband showcases the deep connection they have with nature. As part of the preparation process, a Samburu mother lovingly shaves her son's head outside their humble dwelling. This act symbolizes shedding old ways and embracing new beginnings. Mothers play an essential role in this journey by rubbing animal fat into their sons' cloaks, ensuring protection and strength throughout this transformative experience. However, not all moments are serene during this time. A Samburu youth may find himself forcibly restrained after throwing tantrums or resisting certain aspects of the ceremony. These challenges serve as tests of resilience and discipline on their path towards adulthood. Once the circumcision is complete, a reflective mood often settles upon these newly initiated boys. They contemplate what lies ahead while cherishing the knowledge passed down through generations before them. Their eyes hold both excitement and trepidation as they embark on life's next chapter. The circumcision dress holds immense cultural significance within these communities; it represents tradition preserved over centuries amidst changing times. As we witness these captivating images unfold before our eyes - from decorated faces to blunt arrow aiming at birds - we gain insight into an age-old practice that shapes lives in unimaginable ways for every Samburu youth who undergoes it.