1. Women forget that men are the Masters The Making of Males and Females in Contemporary Kisii Initiation as Rite of Passage Female Rites Male Rites Differences between male/female initiation

2. Initiation as Rite of Passage Gender acquired through socialization Initiation rites help form social/sexual identity “carving” gender through female/male body Females and males not full member of society without these rituals

3. Female Initiation Female circumciser with a razor blade. Maize flower put on wound to stop the bleeding Girls waiting in a line for their turn to be circumcised

4. Female Initiation d Girl resting in the house after the circumcision Women celebrate their daughters circumcision

5. Clitoridectomy: Reasoning Eliminate sexual excitability Makes women more controllable, prevents “loose” behavior. Removal of clitoris, a masculine feature, makes women more feminine. Economic basis—allows fathers to negotiate marriage Father would not receive a bride price

6. Health issues: Banning leads to more “at home” procedures & medical complications. Men look to prostitutes for recreational sex. Parents status increases –(they become senior village members)

7. Circumcision Introduces boys to adult responsibilities & sex Boys learn must be providers & control wives/families Must stand up to pain and ridicule– Stoicism shows “real” manhood. Stimulates formation of bonds (boys of the same age grade A “terrifying but exciting” experience

8. Results Boys may now have sex with older circumcised girls Boys often threaten girls (with rape) as they court them. No longer must treat initiated girls with respect Parents status increases (they become senior village members)

9. Difference in Female/Male Initiations FEMALE Girl accompanied by mother & restrained Ceremony focuses on sexual stimulation Girls taught obedience Few responsibilities acquired during ceremony Ceremony provides emotional/sexual outlet for mother’s/women’s aggression. MALE Boy secluded & must stands alone Ceremony focuses on sexual avoidance Boys taught self-reliance Many responsibilities imparted Ceremony does not provide an emotional outlet for fathers/men