Why a twin is not a child : symbols in Kapsiki birth rituals

Beek, W.E.A. van

doi:10.3406/jafr.2002.1290

Cited by 8 publications

(6 citation statements)

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“…Birth, the start of a new life is a special and unique life event, which occurs within a cultural and social context (Nwadiokwu et al 2016;Wojtkowiak 2020). In other words, childbirth is not only a biological event, but it is also socially and culturally constructed with associated symbols and rituals that represent the social identities and cultural values of any given society (Van Beek 2002). In many communities, childbirth is "a life cycle and a communal event associated with rites of passage" (Siwila 2015, p. 64).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As noted above, discourses concerning the beginning of life, i.e., pregnancy and the periods surrounding it, are filled with rituals and cultural practices (Van Beek 2002). While some of the cultural practices are described as harmful, others have been acknowledged as having protective and therapeutic effects both for the mothers and their babies with huge benefits for the family and the community at large (Ayaz and Yaman Efe 2008;Beinempaka et al 2015).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Rites of passage are perceived as community building events, and not a way of diminishing individuals (Siwila 2015). van Bogaert and Ogubanjo (2008) suggest that as long as cultural beliefs and traditions do not cause harm, they should be respected and left alone, considering their spiritual role in alleviating anxiety, and enhancing a sense of purpose.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Rituals and Embodied Cultural Practices at the Beginning of Life: African Perspectives

Ohaja

Anyim

2021

Religions

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Cultural beliefs and practices find expression through rituals. Rites of initiation or passage are some of the most common rituals among the indigenous African societies. Pregnancy and Childbirth are not only biological events, but also socially and culturally constructed with associated symbols that represent the social identities and cultural values of Africans. Birth is a rite of passage, and children are perceived as special gifts from the Supreme Being. As such, pregnancy and childbirth are special events cherished and celebrated through varied rituals. Drawing on empirical literature and relevant commentaries, this paper aims to discuss selected rituals and embodied practices surrounding the start of life (pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood). The paper will specifically focus on the following aspects: pregnancy rituals; birth songs and dancing; the omugwo (care after birth); the cord and placenta rituals; and the naming ceremony. Some of the pregnancy rituals are purificatory in nature and therefore beneficial for maternal and infant health. The celebrations surrounding the birth of a child are community events, marked with singing and dancing. Following childbirth, the new mothers are not expected to participate in house chores to allow them time to recuperate. In all, discourses concerning the beginning of life, i.e., pregnancy and the periods surrounding it, are filled with rituals which are embodiments or expressions of cultural values, customs, and beliefs.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Rituals and Embodied Cultural Practices at the Beginning of Life: African Perspectives

Ohaja

Anyim

2021

Religions

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“…Generally speaking, Bura beliefs concerning twins are similar to those of some communities neighboring them (Leroy et al, 2002;van Beek, 2002;Chappel, 1974). According to such Bura beliefs, twins possess powers that non-twin children do not have.…”

Section: Bura Kamta Bulikur Ritualmentioning

confidence: 91%

Twin Ritual (Kamta Bulikur): The Significance of Traditional Music in the Health and Wellbeing of Twins among the Bura of North-east Nigeria

Mtaku

2017

Legon J. Hum.

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Similar to many African communities, the Bura of northeast Nigeria believe that twins are born with supernatural powers. Among such powers are the ability to die and be reborn by another woman, the use of scorpions to harm people at will and the ability to feign sickness. To counteract such powers, a special twin ritual, kamta bulikur, must be performed for the health and wellbeing of every twin. Bura traditional music is an integral part of this twin ritual. This paper examines Bura notions of twinship and the significance of traditional music in the kamta bulikur ritual.

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“…According to Van Beek (2002), birth is both a biological experience and a cultural construct. It is the event through which societies do celebrate the rebirth of their future.…”

Section: Uncelebrated Births Of Children With Albinismmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lifelong Agony Among People with Albinism (PWA): Tales From Lake Zone in Tanzania

Masanja¹,

Imori²,

Kaudunde³

2020

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A qualitative study conducted in the northern regions surrounding Lake Victoria in Tanzania, reveals that, People with Albinism (PWA) have been harshly treated for long. Mothers were required to terminate lives of their abnormally born infants (like albino infants). Besides lifelong challenges due to albinism condition, people searched for their body parts even after "being hidden" in unmarked graves after their deaths. Beliefs fuelling such ill-treatment on PWA are deep rooted and intertwined among peoples' mind under influence of cultural beliefs existing for several decades. Proper approach should be designed for permanent solution of the long existed inhumane practices against People with Albinism. 330According to Witchcraft and Human Rights Information Network (2016), murders of People with Albinism (PWA) is part of a larger global problem where violence is perpetuated due to beliefs in witchcraft, juju, muti or spirit possession. It is almost always that, the most vulnerable groups are children, women, the elderly and disabled who are the most targeted. The Guardians (2019), elaborate that, myths and misperceptions surrounding albinism in Tanzania are too numerous to count. This paper presents tales from informants on beliefs and practices related to people with albinism in the study regions. MethodologyThis study aimed at exploring and understanding more on beliefs and practices related to people with albinism. Due to sensitivity of the study, qualitative methods were used in data collection. Interviews with key informants were conducted. This study was in search of in-depth knowledge and experiences on a sensitive issue. The methods enabled the study to learn a lot from interviewees concerning their views and knowledge on albinism.Key informants interviews aimed at creating comfortable environment for them to talk openly and freely than if they had been in a group due to sensitivity of the issue studied. Selection of key informants for interviews depended on the quality of respondents selected. Collected data were interpreted and organized into themes considering words, meanings, and messages that were communicated. Tales on Practices and Beliefs Related to PWAFrom interviews conducted, below are narrated issues concerning the fate of People with Albinism. Uncelebrated births of Children with AlbinismAccording to Van Beek (2002), birth is both a biological experience and a cultural construct. It is the event through which societies do celebrate the rebirth of their future. However, births of children with albinism were unwelcomed in most African culture (Barnes, 1985). , elaborate that;-Babies born with the inherited condition (albinism), resulting in reduced melanin pigment in their hair, skin and eyes, are vulnerable in multiple ways in Africa: as children, as visually impaired, as socially ostracised, isolated and excluded, and as potential victims of witchcraft-related violence targeted for their body parts for use in 'lucky' charms thought to bring good fortune.Children born with abnormality were see...

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Why a twin is not a child : symbols in Kapsiki birth rituals

Cited by 8 publications

References 0 publications

Rituals and Embodied Cultural Practices at the Beginning of Life: African Perspectives

Rituals and Embodied Cultural Practices at the Beginning of Life: African Perspectives

Twin Ritual (Kamta Bulikur): The Significance of Traditional Music in the Health and Wellbeing of Twins among the Bura of North-east Nigeria

Lifelong Agony Among People with Albinism (PWA): Tales From Lake Zone in Tanzania

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