Xhosa male initiate's face is painted red at homecoming ritual in Knysna, South Africa

Two young Xhosa male initiates, who have just returned home as men after one month of seclusion, are having their faces painted red by their guardian and teacher in Khayalethu South Township, Knysna, South Africa, in December, 2006. As initiates they were first circumcised, and they then spent one month in a special initiation camp, away from the normal living areas. For one week they will now wear red facial paint, a turban, long trousers, a shirt and a jacket, all signs that they have become men. When the week is over, the turban will be changed for a cap, which will then be worn for another six months.

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Filename: 5439.jpg
Copyright: Copyright © 2006 Anders Ryman. All rights reserved.
Image Size: 5049x3378 / 10.1MB; Adults Africa Circumcision Coming of Age Facial Paint Garden Route Head and Shoulders Horizontal Khayalethu South Knysna Life Cycle Ritual Male Initiaton Manhood Painting Red Rite de Passage Rite of Passage South Africa Teenagers Traditional and Ethnic Costume Traditional and Ethnic Dress Two People Western Cape Province Xhosa Young Adults Young Men indoors
Contained in galleries: Xhosa male initiation, South Africa

Two young Xhosa male initiates, who have just returned home as men after one month of seclusion, are having their faces painted red by their guardian and teacher in Khayalethu South Township, Knysna, South Africa, in December, 2006. As initiates they were first circumcised, and they then spent one month in a special initiation camp, away from the normal living areas. For one week they will now wear red facial paint, a turban, long trousers, a shirt and a jacket, all signs that they have become men. When the week is over, the turban will be changed for a cap, which will then be worn for another six months.