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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Eroticism, Sensuality and 'Women's Secrets' among the Baganda: A Critical Analysis |
Author: | Tamale, Sylvia |
Year: | 2005 |
Periodical: | Feminist Africa |
Issue: | 5 |
Pages: | 9-36 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Uganda |
Subjects: | Ganda (Uganda) sexuality women girls' initiation Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Women's Issues Cultural Roles |
External link: | https://feministafrica.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/fa_5_feature_article_1.pdf |
Abstract: | In an attempt to understand African women's sexuality by examining one particular feature of one particular culture, the author discusses the cultural/sexual initiation institution among the Baganda of Uganda. This is called 'Ssenga', literally paternal aunt in Luganda. As an essential part of Kiganda (the whole complex of Baganda traditions), 'Ssenga' entails a tradition of sexual initiation which has existed for centuries. It covers a wide range of sexual matters including pre-menarche practices and pre-marriage preparation, both including the controversial lengthening of the labia minora known as 'okukyalira ensiko' (visiting the bush), erotic instruction, and reproduction. The institution is so deeply embedded in the fabric of the culture that in such urban sites as the capital city (Kampala) the phenomenon of 'commercial Ssenga' has developed. Professional 'Ssenga' are hired by parents to perform the traditional role of the father's sister. The print, electronic, and broadcast media have also adopted 'Ssenga' columns and call-in programmes. Booklets are also available. The author sets the conceptual landscape underlying the sexuality of Baganda women, gives a brief historical evolution of the institution, explores some of the ways in which the erotic suffuses their cultural lives, and talks about the erotic-textual constructions of their bodies. Her conclusion is that 'Ssenga' has allowed Baganda women to negotiate agency, autonomy, and self-knowledge of their own sexuality. Its modernization, professionalization, and commodification has also invested it with the scope to challenge subordination and patriarchal sexual control. Bibiliogr., notes. [ASC Leiden abstract] |