Juarke

Boys Made Men in Mboum Society

Abstract

The Mboum people in Cameroon have practiced circumcision for centuries. Until recently, this practice was highly regarded as a period of initiation leading to a man's status. Every year, children were sent to the bush and during their seclusion, cultural codes and knowledges of the society are taught to them. Nowadays, this tradition is dying out leading to conflict of generation between olders and youngters, specially those who are born and raised outside of their community. Through a discussion between Hamidou the old a his grand child and by following a group of five children during their period of initiation, the film shows how circumcision is
performed and explains its meaning among the Mboum people. It also shows that, despite social changes and external pressures (urbanisation, modernisation and health issues etc.) efforts are made to keep the social order resulting from this practice.