Show Navigation

Shaving a Xhosa male initiate’s head in Knysna, South Africa

A young Xhosa initiate’s head is shaved the day before returning home after one month in seclusion in a special initiation camp. December 2006 in Knysna, South Africa. The boy is going through the traditional Xhosa male initiation rite. He has been circumcised, and his face is painted white to ward off attacks by witches.

Add to Cart Add to Lightbox Download

Filename: 5433.jpg
Copyright: Copyright © 2006 Anders Ryman. All rights reserved.
Image Size: 3675x5547 / 11.8MB; Africa Boy Circumcision Coming of Age Garden Route Khayalethu South Knysna Life Cycle Ritual Male Initiaton Manhood Portrait Rite de Passage Rite of Passage Shaving South Africa Vertical Western Cape Province White Xhosa Young Man one person
Contained in galleries: Xhosa male initiation, South Africa

A young Xhosa initiate’s head is shaved the day before returning home after one month in seclusion in a special initiation camp. December 2006 in Knysna, South Africa. The boy is going through the traditional Xhosa male initiation rite. He has been circumcised, and his face is painted white to ward off attacks by witches.