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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Female circumcision in Yorubaland: its nature, practice and persistence among the people of Iwo
Author:Akinsete, KayodeISNI
Year:1998
Periodical:West African Journal of Archaeology
Volume:28
Issue:1
Pages:53-68
Language:English
Geographic term:Nigeria
Subjects:Yoruba
female circumcision
Abstract:In spite of the health and social problems associated with female circumcision, the practice has continued in Iwo, Yorubaland (Nigeria). There is no doubt that people are aware of the campaign against the practice. It is however evident that this awareness notwithstanding, they are not convinced that female circumcision is hazardous, and the term 'genital mutilation' is usually frowned at. This paper examines the four types of female circumcision as classified by the WHO; the practice of circumcision in Iwo; age at circumcision in Iwo; the act of circumcision and the instruments used; long and short-term health consequences of female circumcision; and reasons for the persistence of female circumcision in Iwo, which range from health and religious reasons to cultural reasons. The most influential reason for the persistence of female circumcision in Iwo is tradition. Strategies which may lead to a reduction of the practice should take account of the sociocultural significance of female circumcision in each individual culture. Bibliogr., sum.
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