Homework Assignment: Body Ritual part I

Body Ritual Explained

In an effort to understand the culture that contributes to prolongation of the Yensi tribe, an observation study was done of the body ritual performed by females in preparation for mating with the tribal males. This ritual is performed to some extent by all tribal females. However, it is most common among females who have reached at least 16 mother earth revolutions around the sun. These young females are also called sussims. As a female anthropologist, some of the tribal females were open and willing to explain the ritual and importance in their society. The eventual purpose of the ritual is to create parings which will allow for the continuation of their race.

The female begins the body ritual by entering the inner sanctum of the home and arranging the products to be used in the process. She immerses her body in liquids made from animal secretions and rocks. Her skin is tender to the touch, but more permeable to allow for better adhesion of the costume layers. A gelatinous substance is applied to the body until it burns the skin, at which point is removed. Another viscous material is layered to sooth the damage caused by the burns to the skin. Then the female mixes clay, dirt, and other bituminous minerals to spread on the face and neck. After applying hot melted wax and gluing pieces of hair to her face, she inserts colored plastic discs in her eyes, and metal rods through her ears.

Once the facial additions are complete, she begins hide her features by painting her body in exotic, bright iron oxide pigments and lacquers, paying extra attention to the body parts that receive the most attention by males. The concealing process even extends to the body natural fragrance. Alcohols and neurotoxins are utilized.

Then the female begins applying the final layers of her costume. Certain contraptions are used to encase her midsection so that she appears to have better procreation abilities. Large round semi-circle jelly-beads are used in the event that her lactating apparatus is not fully formed. After that, garments are used to cover the contraptions and provide a more appealing outer shell exterior. The final touch is to bind her lower extremities in raised, animal skin entrapments that make it difficult to walk or stand.

Once in costume, the sussims gather together in the town’s center and dance coyly to catch the eye of the male they would wish to join. The males show that they approve of the sussim’s costume by bestowing prickly shrubs, stones in various colors, and blocks made of roasted seeds. If the male is particularly impressed with the female’s costume, the male may also request that the female participate in the binding ceremony with him which is conducted by a local holy man.

The intention is for the binding ceremony to fasten the couple together for the rest of their lives. Although the binding is supposed to be permanent, there are occasions when the costumes are so thick it prevents the pair from cleaving together. If that happens, both people usually detach from one another and are obliged to repeat the process with a different tribal member.