MARIA TOMAS-RODRIGUEZ
Tradition

Photo taken in Joal, Senegal. I met these boys, all members of the same family, during their seclusion period following their circumcision. Traditionally, women cannot see the circumcised boys during seclusion period. Their traditional circumcision gowns, body positions and faces shocked me.
Male circumcision is one of the oldest and most widespread surgical procedures in the world performed in pre-pubertal boys or adults. In Senegal, male circumcision is considered essential to become a full member of society. It is a strong cultural practice and usually not an optional procedure upon which an individual may decide. Community involvement before, during and after traditional male circumcision is strong. Three phases describe the ritual of male circumcision: preparation leading to the actual procedure, a period of seclusion whilst healing, and reintegration of the circumcised into the society.
Female circumcision has, by contrast, been banned in Senegal since 1999.

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