Why was male circumcision for the Mandinka Tribe in Gambia important for reasons other than religion?

<h3>Why was male circumcision for the Mandinka Tribe in Gambia important for reasons other than religion?</h3>




<strong>Gambia best answer:</strong>
<p><i>Answer by Bareasskmeagain</i><br/>The same as with many other African tribes, it is an initiation ritual. The young boys are subjected to a painful procedure while away from home for the first time, they have to survive as a team and prove their independence. This ritual is also the entry into 'manhood', those who survive are accepted on equal status once they return from the ordeal. During their period away from home while healing the procedure, they were instructed by older men about the 'facts of life'</p>
<p><strong>The Gambia- Play Ball!</strong>
<img alt="Gambia" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2104/2202934447_65a833cce4.jpg" width="400"/><br/>
<i>Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42096237@N00/2202934447">Raw Herring</a></i>
Playing ball with the local boys at the beach of Bakau, The Gambia</p>

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