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| Title: | The Making of Men: The Relevance of Vernacular Psychology to the Interpretation of a Gisu Ritual |
| Author: | Heald, Suzette |
| Year: | 1982 |
| Periodical: | Africa: Journal of the International African Institute |
| Volume: | 52 |
| Issue: | 1 |
| Pages: | 15-36 |
| Language: | English |
| Geographic term: | Uganda |
| Subjects: | Gisu circumcision Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) |
| External links: | https://www.jstor.org/stable/1158368 https://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&res_dat=xri:pao:&rft_dat=xri:pao:article:4011-1982-052-00-000002 |
| Abstract: | In modern Uganda the idea of the Gisu as a nation of circumcised men remains as strong as ever. The biennial circumcision ceremonies act both as a focus for such sentiment and as a dramatic display of its power. The nature of circumcision as a culturally focal symbol, however, cannot be explicated simply by looking at its politico-jural implications nor by seeing how social roles and relationships are transfigured in the ritual. To understand the specific connotations of the Gisu concept of manhood, the explicit aims of the ritual need to be taken more seriously. The focus then will be on how the rites are transformational, and not merely transitional. This involves examining the 'vernacular psychology' of the rites, seeing this as informing the overall sequence of the ritual and being given emphatic expression in the symbolism. The Gisu are shown to have a set of psychological concepts as well as religious ones which inform their actions in the ritual. Moreover, the psychological processes built into the ritual 'work' in the sense that they provide the means which enable often extremely apprehensive boys to overcome their fear and stand the ordeal. Notes, ref., French sum. |
