Masai circumsion ceremony… coming of age in Kenya
Artist
George Rodger
CultureBritish
Date1979
MediumGelatin silver print
Dimensions6 3/4 × 9 1/2 in. (17.1 × 24.1 cm)
InscribedOn verson: “The Masai are semi nomadic pastural tribe of Nilotic origin who today number roughly 120,000 and range over an area of 45,000 square miles straddling Kenya and Tanzania. Each remains without family status or idetity until he has been circumcised, usually in his teens. The tear of circumcision is the most crucial in a Masai's life, when he emerges into manhood but the actual date of this event depends on seasonal cahnge, father's wealth and the time when Junior "Moran" became a member of the Elders. Immediately following circumcision is a "healing period" of 3 months, during this the young Moran must wear black and the "Olemasari" feather headdress, is not allowed to wash, be seen eating, their food may not be touched by women. The boys live isolated in the bush in male groups. This exceptional series of photographs were taken at sunrise in pre-dawn twilight. A group at the circumcision festival, in foreground the goatskin clad doctor, behind him a Sangigi or mariageable girl.”
Credit LineGift of Dr. Daveed Frazier
Object number2021.62.105
Not on view
ProvenanceSold to Dr. Daveed Frazier via Michael Mattis, 2016 | Donated to Chrysler Museum of Art via Dr. Daveed Frazier, 2021