CIRCUMCISION MWANGI
CIRCUMCISION
MWANGI
This painting by Mwangi (52) reflects the old tribal tradition of face
marking, a practice that still persists within the camp. Elders from
certain tribes continue to uphold these customs, often carrying them
out when children are very young, an age when they are especially
vulnerable to pain, trauma, and serious infection.
The horn is traditionally blown to tell the community it is time for
circumcision, or tribal markings to be performed. The herbs are used
to prevent infection.
Through this work, Mwangi voices his belief that it is time to let go
of such practices. His art serves both as a record of a tradition and
as a call for change, urging the community to move toward safer,
healthier ways of preserving cultural identity.