An emic view of the role of circumcision ceremony on individual's personality development: a case of Kipsigis community of Kericho District

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Periodical article

Title:	An emic view of the role of circumcision ceremony on individual's personality development: a case of Kipsigis community of Kericho District
Author:	Yegon, Eliud
Year:	2005
Periodical:	Mila: a Journal of the Institute of African Studies
Volume:	6
Pages:	33-42
Language:	English
Notes:	biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:	Kenya East Africa
Subjects:	socialization circumcision Kipsigis Anthropology, Folklore, Culture Kipsigis (African people) Initiation rites
Abstract:	Circumcision is still a common cultural practice among the Kipsigis of Kericho District, Kenya, despite the fact that the community has modernized. This paper shows that circumcision is held in high esteem by the Kipsigis because of its sociocultural utility, such as making men out of boys and instructing them on how to handle social issues. An adult Kipsigis man is expected to embrace three moral virtues, namely 'aiyepindo' (generosity, hospitality, unselfishness and kindness), 'tolosiet' (politeness, kindness, gentleness, good behaviour) and 'tegisto' (respect). The influence of the circumcision ceremony on the formation of these personality ideals cannot be underestimated. However, the circumcision ceremonies also have unintended negative effects, viz. on the initiates' formal education and the financial situation of the families concerned. Bibliogr., note, sum. [ASC Leiden abstract]