Cynophagy, homosexuality and anthropophagy in medieval Islamic North Africa as signs of hospitality

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Periodical article

Title:	Cynophagy, homosexuality and anthropophagy in medieval Islamic North Africa as signs of hospitality
Author:	Mansouri, Mabrouk
Year:	2015
Periodical:	The Journal of North African Studies (ISSN 1743-9345)
Volume:	20
Issue:	2
Pages:	128-142
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Northern Africa
Subjects:	Middle Ages cannibalism homosexuality canines hospitality
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1080/13629387.2014.937431
Abstract:	With reference to Arabic primary sources written in the middle ages, this paper accounts for North African food as a symbolic cultural system expressing local values of hospitality, bravery and manhood. It also explores the metaphoric and symbolic significance of cynophagy as a customary practice related primarily to the belief in magic by North African Amazigh, Arabs, Christians and Jews. Moreover, the paper contextualises such a practice within the broader North African cultural framework, expressing an awareness of the indigenous socio-cultural milieu. The paper also addresses the significance of the North African body as an articulation of particular socio-cultural and aesthetic values. The author interprets North African homosexuality as an act of hospitality. Finally, the paper traces the links between anthropophagy, the offering of female flesh for cannibals, and hospitality. Medieval sub-Saharan anthropophagy is said to be a social behaviour that displays hospitality and kindness. Bibliogr., notes, sum. [Journal abstract]