The Maasai are one of the many southern-most tribes located in Kenya. They are
physically related, and also in many other forms related to the Samburu and Turkana. The
Maasai have a relatively complex culture and traditions. In fact, for many years they were
unheard of. By the late 1800’s we soon discovered more about the Maasai, mostly from
their oral histories.
It is presumed that the Maasai came from the north, probably from the region of
the Nile Valley in Sudan. Also presumed is that they left this area sometime between the
fourteenth and sixteenth centuries, migrating southwards towards he Great Rift Valley.
According to the Maasai oral history, they came from a crater or deep valley somewhere
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The rituals and ceremonies that the Maasai participate in give added importance
to the lives they lead. With every ceremony that celebrates the step to a more
distinguished age, the added responsibilities given to that person are celebrated. Their
contribution in the society is elevated as well as their honor.
Age is the greatest influence in Maasai society. Other ways of defining status by
age pertain to women; these are called “age-grades”. While the age-set is only for
initiated men, women can obtain a higher age-grade after marriage. Age-grades are the
consecutive statuses that individuals are given in the course of their lives. The
rights that are given to women as they progress through age groups include the
responsibilities of herds, land and families. The ceremonies that occur for these passages
through age are important in keeping this established tradition.
The most important ages for both men and women are between 15 and 18.This is
when the girls and boys are initiated into adulthood through the act of circumcision. After
the act of circumcision, both boys and girls are able to take on new responsibilities in their
community, including the right to marry and hold land and cattle for themselves. When a
mother sends her son to be initiated, she presents him
Chickasaw tribe has a rich tradition steeped in the arts, housing, food , language and society
The Makah tribe is a very interesting tribe. They hunted, farmed, and enjoyed life! Even though a lot of times they didn’t want to work they did for their people in their tribe.
The Four Corners in North America was commonly known for its erratic nature patterns, with rainfall being scarce, making growth hard even for the scrubby sagebrush and tough pinon and juniper trees that fell across the land (Dold). The Anasazi knew how to adapt to these changes by moving quiet often. The Anasazi changed residences frequently, often settling in an area for fifty to one hundred years at a time (Bell). Hunger-induced cannibalism typically occurs in groups that are trapped (Dolde). This information provides another key to the theory of the Anasazi tribe being invaded by rogue foreigners.
Female genital mutilation (FGM) also known as female circumcision is a tradition passed down from generation to generation occurring all around the world affecting millions of women and young girls. FGM is controversial matter most prevalent in Africa (Ahanonu and Victor, 2014). To this day it’s estimated that about 28 African countries still practice this ritual including Nigeria (Ahanonu and Victor, 2014). In the past twenty years there has been a worldwide increased interest in FGM due to its multiplicity and lifelong effects. Some people believe FGM violates basic human rights where others believe this ritual is required to increase their chances of marriageability and that this practice is a transition from adolescents into adulthood
the history of the great people the Apache native american. The Apache Indians came from the Alaskan region, Canada, and portions of the American Southwest. Eventually the tribe migrated toward the United States further south, and divided itself into two basic regions, with the Rio Grande River serving as the dividing line. The Apaches were typically nomadic, meaning they traveled around, never quite settling in one place.
major part in a human's life, a close control over this specific aspect in a
The desert-rich country of Mauritania has a complicated history. They have been controlled by various countries throughout their history. The country was originally inhabited by Black Africans; they date back to the Stone Age. They were quickly inhabited by Sanhaja Berbers who were Caucasoid people from North Africa. This society is dated back as far as the 3rd and 4th century. Therefore, most native people from Mauritania are of Berber descent.
The topic of the infant male circumcision is a controversial subject in the United States. This procedure involves a non-reversible surgical procedure that removes the prepuce, commonly called the foreskin, thus exposing the glans of the penis (Blank, et al., 2012). Currently this is considered a cosmetic procedure per surgical standards, and is performed upon the request of the parents of the newborn. The decision to have a circumcision performed is usually based upon personal, cultural, and religious factors. However, the overall view of the impact of the procedure on the newborn infant varies in our country, and has led to two conflicting camps of ideology. The pro-circumcision movement focuses on the potential health benefits gained of a circumcision, and feels it is a necessary procedure. The anti-circumcision movement claims there are no health benefits and that the procedure violates the fundamental human rights of the infant (Collier, 2012). Following extensive research, I have found that there is evidence-based proof that circumcision improves the overall health of the male newborn, with prolonged health benefits into adulthood. Circumcisions provide the health benefits of decreased rates of urinary tract infections(UTIs), reduced transmission of sexually transmitted disease, prevention of phimosis, and improved penile hygiene (Blank, et al., 2012, Marx & Lawton, 2008, Morris, Bailis, & Wiswell, 2014).
Islamic, Jewish, West African, the Aborigines of Australia and many other religions and cultures use circumcision as a rite of passage that holds significant meaning. Most preform the act in infancy or early childhood and while some hold it as optional others see it as obligatory and will even make sure to circumcise their deceased before burial. (Darby) In Kenya, boys will wear the razor blade that was used on them around their necks as a sign of “initiation into manhood” (Morris) Some religions, such as Catholicism, have maintained that the act of circumcision is brutal, barbaric and unnecessary.(Wikipedia 1)
The society already depicts the right and wrong behaviors in which men and women should adhere to, thus this already constructed norms and values maps the right and wrongful practices of sexuality in different communities. The gender norms already prescribe the expectations of sexuality in the society. For example, female genital mutilation is a rite of passage that detects every girl should undergo so that they can be termed as a woman and hence eligible for marriage in the society. The circumcision practice is a gender belief or norm that is only aligned to womanhood, but it affects the sexuality of these women. Other gender practices such as early or polygamous marriages have been the cause of what is termed as unsafe sexuality in the society. It should be noted that gender and sexuality significantly affect the basis of any society. These gender norms have led to increasing in disease transmission and illiterate
Nowadays, circumcision is under a huge debate to whether accept it or ban it. In
This paper will evaluate both sides of the argument, and shed light on the pros and cons of male vs. female circumcision. Religious & Cultural Standpoints According to Perera, Bridgewater, Thavaneswaran,Maddern , (2009), states how male circumcision
The Maasai believe in one supreme being, Enkai, who gave the Maasai all of the cattle in the world (“Maasai Religion”). There are also other minor gods and goddesses in the Maasai religion (“Maasai”). When a man is born, Enkai gives him a protecting spirit to help him ward off demons (Finke). Music is an important aspect to the Maasai, and is based off call and response technique. Music usually takes palces during important ceremonies, such as circumcisions and marriage. Another component of arts in the Maasai culture is there use of beads and such to make jewelry. When it comes to illness, doctors are far from many Maasai, and must Maasai attempt to heal themselves with herbal remedies. There are many diseases common in Maasailand: HIV, cholera, malaria, tuberculosis, and more (“Maasai”). While there may be many diseases that the Maasai are susceptible to, they are still
The act of male circumcision is a practice dating centuries. Accounts of circumcision can be found all over the world with many different myths and legends. There are many different reasons why this antediluvian ritual takes place. In ancient times, circumcision was regarded as a rite of passage. The act was a symbolic transformation from adolescence to adulthood. Many other ancient cultures participated in circumcising as a means for eliminating masturbation. Today, circumcision is performed for very different reasons. Parents who circumcise may do so out of religious beliefs. Some may circumcise because of social pressure. Many parents feel an obligation to circumcise in order for their child “fit in”. Others circumcise on the basis of health and hygiene concerns. Some even circumcise out of pure ignorance about the issues that arise from the procedure. While the motives for circumcision have constantly changed, the practice still remains. The effects of circumcision are damaging to the male child’s body and mind. Circumcision is a permanent decision forced upon a child with no say in the matter. These days, it is no longer considered a rite of passage or a sacrifice needed for salvation. The health benefits circumcision claims seem to be under-investigated and minimal. So why do Americans still circumcise their children? Perhaps it is the social stigma of remaining intact or the misguided health concerns. Maybe it is a lack of knowledge about circumcision. No matter what
As an example, we can imagine a 14-year-old girl and her parents who move from Sierra Leone to the United States. In Sierra Leone, the practice of female circumcision is customary, and after talking it over with her mother, the girl expresses a wish to be circumcised. A social service agency