Consensual Whipping In Africa
I was intrigued to Google up (by accident, like all the best Google finds) this account of severe but consensual ritual whipping of women in Africa, complete with a photograph. This is a “traveler’s tale” in the best sense:
Eventually we escaped the grips of Omorate on a truck to Turmi, two hours away. Although Turmi doesn’t differ much in its layout, it was certainly a bit cooler. Turmi is home to the Hamer people and we were fortunate to witness the rare bull-jumping ceremony.
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Beautifully decorated women challenge the young men to beat them brutally with whips. Although reluctant, the men eventually give in to the women’s constant taunting and deep gashes are gouged in the smiling women’s backs. The boy who is being initiated, the Jumper, is required to run across the backs of ten bulls stark naked with his hair frissed into a giant afro. He has to do this four times, and if successful, then enters into manhood.
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