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Circumcision Clothing Collection

In the arid lands of Kenya, specifically in South Horr and Kurungu, a timeless tradition unfolds

Background imageCircumcision Clothing Collection: Kenya, South Horr, Kurungu

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

Background imageCircumcision Clothing Collection: Dressed in his black goatskin cloak

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

Background imageCircumcision Clothing Collection: In the weeks leading up to their circumcision

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

Background imageCircumcision Clothing Collection: Msai youth with decorated face

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

Background imageCircumcision Clothing Collection: Samburu initiates sing during the month after their circumcision

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

Background imageCircumcision Clothing Collection: A Samburu initiate with bird skins hanging from his headband

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

Background imageCircumcision Clothing Collection: A Samburu initiate takes aim at a bird with a blunt arrow

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

Background imageCircumcision Clothing Collection: A Samburu mother shaves her sons head outside

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

Background imageCircumcision Clothing Collection: Mothers rub animal fat into their sons cloaks

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

Background imageCircumcision Clothing Collection: A Samburu youth is forcibly restrained after throwing

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

Background imageCircumcision Clothing Collection: A Samburu boy in reflective mood after his circumcision

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

Background imageCircumcision Clothing Collection: A Samburu youth

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 arid lands of Kenya, specifically in South Horr and Kurungu, a timeless tradition unfolds. Dressed in his black goatskin cloak, a young Maasai boy eagerly awaits his turn for circumcision. In the weeks leading up to this rite of passage, he joins other Maasai youth with decorated faces as they prepare themselves mentally and physically. As the sun sets on their childhood, Samburu initiates sing songs that echo through the month following their circumcision. Adorned with bird skins hanging from their headbands, these brave young men take aim at birds using blunt arrows – a test of skill and precision. Meanwhile, outside their huts, Samburu mothers shave their sons' heads as a symbol of transformation. With love and care, they rub animal fat into their sons' cloaks to protect them from the harsh elements that lie ahead. Not all transitions are smooth sailing though; occasionally a Samburu youth may resist this ancient custom. As tensions rise during such moments, elders step in to forcibly restrain those who challenge tradition's grip. But amidst it all lies reflection and contemplation. A Samburu boy finds himself lost in thought after his circumcision - contemplating what lies beyond manhood's threshold. The weight of responsibility settles upon him as he ponders his future role within society. In this land where time-honored rituals intertwine with daily life, one thing remains constant: the resilience and strength exhibited by these courageous Samburu youths as they embark on an unforgettable journey towards adulthood.