Circumcision Day

NOT FOR SALE

80 x 80 cm  –  Oil on canvas

This young Samburu adolescent was circumcised today and we were lucky enough to have been invited to join a part of the dancing ceremonies. His head was shaved and his body covered in animal fat and red ocre. He had been given a new necklace to mark the occasion, perhaps made by his sister. The look in his eyes is that of a boy becoming a man. He was proud of his new status in his Samburu community. Circumcision is the most important celebration in the life of a Samburu and we were so lucky to have shared a part of this important day with those that had been circumcised in that village today.