Circumcision

Historical Background

The oldest documentary evidence for male circumcision comes from ancient Egypt. Proof of circumcision rite abounds in the ancient Egyptian temple reliefs and paintings; tomb artwork from the 6th dynasty (2345–2181 BC) shows men with circumcised penises. In addition, one relief from this period shows the rite being performed on a standing adult male. Ancient Egyptians sacrificed the foreskin to Min, the fertility and sexuality god, by burning it. Min was shown as a human male with an erect penis.

It must be noted, however, that although circumcision is of ancient Egyptian origin and was prevalent in this powerful ancient African kingdom, it was not systematically performed on all men, nor was it required of all. As a matter of fact, the examination of the ancient Egyptian [Page 167]Hieroglyph for “penis” reveals either a circumcised or an erect organ. Likewise, the examination of ancient Egyptian mummies of the pharaohs has shown some males who were circumcised and others with foreskins. The tool used to perform circumcision was the flint, a piece of hard gray stone that sparks or makes small flashes of flame when struck with steel.

In Ancient Israel, circumcision was ritually performed during a special ceremony (berith or briss) on the eighth day after birth, and it involved male children of natives, servants, and aliens. It was initially carried out by the father. The tool the Jewish people used to perform circumcision was a knife, but later specialists known as mobels (circumcis-ers) were employed to carry out the berith.

In the Islamic tradition, kbitan (male circumcision), also called euphemistically tab ara (purification), was to be performed on a boy only when he reaches the age of 13. Arabic Bedouin ethnic groups would circumcise males the day before they were to marry. It was a test of endurance, valor, and honor, in that during this operation the groom was to sing, thus proving to the surrounding crowd that he is stronger than pain. However, it is becoming acceptable for Muslim boys to be circumcised years earlier, even as early as the seventh day after birth. Muslim Sunnetci (trained and experienced circumcisers) also use knives or razor blades to perform the operation.

Practice in Africa

In African countries, the age at which circumcision is carried out varies considerably among ethnic groups and families and is dependent on religious affiliations and, in some cases, on personal preference. It can be performed at any time of human development, as early as at birth or as late as at adult age. The tools utilized to perform the rite vary as well and include knives, pairs of scissors, razor blades, and other sharp-edged tools. Although today circumcision is performed for the most part by physicians or RNs, it is embedded in a wide range of cultural contexts and is quite different in mode, rationale, scope, significance, and effects.

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