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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Vugo: A Virginity Celebration Ceremony among the Swahili of Mombasa
Author:Topan, Farouk M.ISNI
Year:1995
Periodical:African Languages and Cultures
Volume:8
Issue:1
Pages:87-107
Language:English
Geographic term:Kenya
Subjects:Swahili
girls' initiation
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Women's Issues
Cultural Roles
Marital Relations and Nuptiality
External link:https://www.jstor.org/stable/1771736
Abstract:In Swahili society an elaborate ceremony, called 'vugo', used to take place during a wedding to confirm and celebrate the virginity of the bride. The authority to organize the ceremony, and therefore the means to 'legitimize' the status of the bride, was invested in two institutions, a confederation of tribes known as the 'Twelve Tribes', and women's clubs. Over the years, the 'vugo' of women's clubs became more popular and were considered more successful than the tribal 'vugo'. The 'vugo' ceremony consists of two parts, called 'vugo dogo' (small 'vugo') and 'vugo kubwa' (great 'vugo'). The second part is performed only if the girl has been able to prove her virginity. This article describes the various stages of 'vugo', as well as the songs sung during the ceremony. It draws on material collected over the years in Mombasa, Kenya, beginning in 1966. The author notes that the ceremony has declined gradually since the early 1970s and has given way to newer or revitalized forms of entertainment. Bibliogr., notes, ref.
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