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The role of the paintings in the circumcision ritual: Circumcision and painting Griaule [52] stresses that the circumcision site at Songo is the only example known to him in the region where painting forms a fixed part of a circumcision ritual. He does not, however, elaborate on the exact role the paintings played in this ritual. It has been assumed that the paintings are used by elders as visual aids for the instruction of young boys during the recovery period, which the Guindo claim is still the case today. Yet, the role of instruction (and of the paintings) within the circumcision ritual is unclear and informants' accounts are contradictory. According to the Guindo, the repainting of the motifs at Kondi Pegue is traditionally connected with the circumcision ritual. Re-painting is exclusively undertaken every three years during the circumcision period. Only circumcised male members of the Guindo family, as well as the male children of other families whose mothers are Guindo, are allowed to paint at Kondi Pegue. Additionally, members of the Karembé family are allowed to participate in the repainting process after authorisation by the Guindo, because of the alliance of both families. In some instances the newly circumcised boys are also allowed to paint if they have already proved themselves able painters. In all instances it has been stressed that only individuals who are good painters are allowed to repaint the images. Guindo elders monitor the correct re-marking of the motifs, and badly made paintings have to be redone. The Guindo claim that the aim of the repainting process is to refresh all motifs at the site. Because of time restrictions or choice, however, not all motifs may be re-done, particularly those in high or otherwise inaccessible positions. The Guindo stress that only existing paintings are refreshed, and that no new paintings are added. Photographic evidence proves the contrary (see next chapter 'A century of change...'). However, the Guindo's claim of continuity and tradition seems to constitute an important part of the spirit behind the circumcision ritual at Songo. The circumcision period plays an important part in cementing social relations in the village. It both binds the boys of an age set to each other, and forms an important event for the whole village - a manifestation of the uniqueness of Songo and its people. | |
