Xhosa male initiates at homecoming ritual in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Xhosa male initiates at a homecoming ritual celebrating their return after one month in seclusion. December 2006 in Ciskei, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. They have received turbans to cover their shaven heads and have had red ochre mixed with butter – a symbol of masculinity – applied to their skin. The traditional Xhosa male initiation, which transforms the teenager into an adult man, starts with circumcision. The initiate then spends about a month in an initiation camp, away from settled areas.

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Filename: 5446.jpg
Copyright: Copyright © 2006 Anders Ryman. All rights reserved.
Image Size: 5607x3705 / 12.5MB; Africa Blankets Body Paint Bonding Butter Circumcision Ciskei Coming of Age Eastern Cape Province Five People Horizontal Life Cycle Ritual Male Initiaton Manhood Red Rite de Passage Rite of Passage Sitting South Africa Teenagers Traditional and Ethnic Costume Traditional and Ethnic Dress Turbans Xhosa Young Adults Young Men indoors
Contained in galleries: Xhosa male initiation, South Africa

Xhosa male initiates at a homecoming ritual celebrating their return after one month in seclusion. December 2006 in Ciskei, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. They have received turbans to cover their shaven heads and have had red ochre mixed with butter – a symbol of masculinity – applied to their skin. The traditional Xhosa male initiation, which transforms the teenager into an adult man, starts with circumcision. The initiate then spends about a month in an initiation camp, away from settled areas.