Xhosa Initiation
The initiation process can last from a month upto 6 weeks or more and during this time the boys are circumsised. After this, they go through a period of healing, but also training. When the period has ended, the grass huts they are living in (during which time they are isolated) are burned, and not looking back they evolve into manhood.
These photos were taken by a boyfriend (Mxo) of another volunteer here (Rose).
One lad, going through the initiation school.
The hut being burned.
Some women celebrating.
Women are not allowed to see the boys during initiation. This must happen after.
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