Making the Mark
Ohio University Research in International Studies
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Executive Editor: Gillian Berchowitz
Making the Mark
GENDER, IDENTITY, AND GENITAL CUTTING
Miroslava Prazak
Ohio University Research in International Studies
Africa Series No. 93
Ohio University Press
Athens
© 2016 by the Center for International Studies
Ohio University
All rights reserved
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Prazak, Miroslava, author.
Title: Making the mark : gender, identity, and genital cutting / Miroslava Prazak.
Other titles: Research in international studies. Africa series ; no. 93.
Description: Athens, Ohio : Ohio University Press, 2016. | Series: Ohio University research in international studies, Africa series ; no. 93
Identifiers: LCCN 2016024889| ISBN 9780896803091 (hc : alk. paper) | ISBN 9780896803107 (pb : alk. paper) | ISBN 9780896804975 (pdf)
Subjects: LCSH: Female circumcision—Kenya. | Circumcision—Kenya. | Kuria (African people)–Rites and ceremonies. | Kuria (African people)—Social life and customs.
Classification: LCC GN484 .P73 2016 | DDC 392.1096762—dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2016024889
For Robert, Megan, and Dylan
Contents
Families in the Book: Genealogical Charts
Chapter 1. Trouble with Witchcraft
Chapter 4. Something Different
Chapter 5. Consoling, Feasting, and Coming Out
Chapter 7. Where Do We Go from Here?
Appendix: Bwirege Circumcision Sets
Illustrations
Figures
3. Alternative Rite of Passage Certificate
4A. Opinion poll findings on genital cutting (girls)
4B. Opinion poll findings on gential cutting (boys)
Map
Photographs
Following Chapter 2
Male initiates beginning walk home from circumcision ground
Males walking back from circumcision
Musicians in front of homestead: flute, ibirandi, ekegoogo
Omosaamba pausing at cattle gate amid revelers
Returning to an initiate’s home
Male initiate (left rear) resting upon return home, guarded by other abasaamba
Homestead flying flags of initiation
Following Chapter 3
Female initiate leaving circumcision ground
Escorts on hillside encountering living bushes
Musicians with ekegoogo and ibiraandi