Africa: Cradle of Love

Africa: Cradle of Love

The internet has taught me many things over the years. It has brought the world closer to me. It has exposed me to vast and diverse experiences (mostly good) from various cultural backgrounds. However, most of these experiences haves been of a western influence and so it was with a pleasant surprise that I came across a traditional technique that deals with, of all things, sex!

Conservative society

Most everyone would agree that sexuality in Africa is shrouded in ambiguous beliefs, myth and attitudes influenced by traditional cultures and religion e.g Many old cultures seem to have traditional ways of talking about and teaching about sexual pleasure, while at the same time practicing customs that regulate women’s sexuality. The subject of sex and human sexuality in Africa is not broached easily nor frankly. When the subject comes up mostly mythological or euphemistic language is used. This is meant to hide the real meaning behind what is being discussed. As such, if you did not have clue about what was being discussed to begin with, you would find yourself unable to comprehend the discussion.

Old Times

This problem is further compounded by post-colonial modernization and religion, both of which introduced guilt and stigma to sexuality with its notions of civility. In times past the youth was educated in matters of sex and sexuality by their elders. The girls were taught about their bodies, how to take care of their husband (when they eventually got married), how to take care of the home and how to perform in the bedroom. The boys were taught about their duty to their wife, how to be a proper head of the house, and what to do to pleasure and satisfy their women. 

Aunts and Uncles

Most of these “lessons” were carried out during or after initiation. This might be after circumcision and during or as part of the preparation for marriage. It was also done as a transition and introduction of a girl into womanhood. This education was carried out by, for instance, the aunt (sister to the girl’s father) traditionally known as Ssenga in Uganda or the uncle (the brother of the son’s mother) traditionally known as Kojja. It is alleged that the Ssengas and Kojjas would first sleep with their respective “students” to, both, measure how well “lessons” have been assimilated and better teach correct execution of technique, talk about practicals! I imagine all this preparation must have boosted self-confidence of the young generation and instilled a robust sense of self-esteem, courtship rituals in the old days were lively affairs. The diversity of these rituals is a fascinating study on its own.

Courtships

Courtship was a serious affair for some of the peoples of Africa, often taking the form of fights. Take the Surma tribe of Ethiopia, for example, they painted their bodies with various designs and then took up arms in the form of long, stout sticks. They would fight and beat each other and the only rule being not to cause death but anything short of that was fair game. The winner of the day’s bout was presented to the beautiful young women one of whom went home with him as his new wife. But there are other less violent, even beautiful, courtships. Like that of the Wodaabe nomads of Niger. The men of this tribe paint themselves with elaborate make-up and dance to woo the women. The whole courtship ritual is akin to a beauty pageant.

However, all this has sidetracked me. The purpose of this piece was to discuss Kunyaza, Katerero, Kutunda, Kakyabali or “Western Jazz” and what this has to do with gucuga, gucumita and gukuna. More on this in my next piece so watch out for it.