Rites Of Passage

Question 1

Explain the liminal stage of maasai ongeshar (2)

Answer 1

The initiates get drunk and dance

They drink a strengthening liquor of fresh blood from a sacrificed animal

Question 2

Explain the post liminal stage the maasai ongeshar (4)

Answer 2

The initiates’ heads are completely shaved

They are blessed by the Laibon

They are given gifts (a calf)

This reincorporates them into the tribe

Question 3

What two types of rites where first usedin Arnold van gennup’s book in 1909? (2)

Answer 3

1. Rites that accompany the passage of a person from one social status to another in the course of his or her life
2. Rites that mark recognized points in the passage of time (new year, new moon, solstice, or equinox).

Question 4

Explain the process mourning in the trobriand Islands (4)

Answer 4

When a person dies, members of his or her
matrilineage, assisted by other clan members in
the village, organise the burial and exchanges
that follow – they are known as the “owners of
the dead person’s things”

But they don’t do the public mourning – this is done by “workers” – the wife/husband and father of the dead and their matrilineages.

They sit with the body and prepare the grave.

After the burial they shave their heads, paint their bodies black and wear mourning clothes.

Question 5

Explain the pre liminal stage of the the masaai ongeshar (warrior hood - elder hood) (3)

Answer 5

Warriors are permitted to wear their hair long, have extra marital sex, party and behave in an irresponsible way

As their age set prepares for the Ongeshar, their hair is cut by the women (who represent order and domesticity) to symbolise the end of a phase

They also dress up and wear make-up and jewellery