The Socotri people are distinguished by their diverse culture and unique customs, shaped through history into a rich cultural heritage and distinctive folklore. Among these traditions are the customs and practices surrounding circumcision in Socotra in the past. The Socotri people adhered strictly to local traditions, similar to other conservative and simple societies that maintained a strict way of life.
In this article, we hear from an elder from the western regions of the archipelago, who requested anonymity. He vividly recounts his experience with these traditions, saying:
“It was our custom not to circumcise boys until they reached puberty. We waited for the best seasons—when rains were abundant, and livestock were well-fed—to prepare for the circumcision ceremony. The tribe’s men, and sometimes two neighboring tribes, would discuss how many boys were ready for circumcision, the number of sheep to be slaughtered, and the location, as each tribe had a designated area for such ceremonies. The tribes would agree on one location, set a date, and coordinate with the person performing the circumcision before announcing the time and place.”
Preparations and Festivities
In the days leading up to the ceremony, the families of the boys would be in constant activity, preparing for this significant milestone in their sons’ lives. After circumcision, the boys were considered men, ready for marriage and the responsibilities of life. The occasion brought anxiety, exhaustive traditions, sleepless nights, hosting guests, preparing feasts, and encouraging the boys to remain brave during the procedure. Any sign of fear or discomfort would bring shame to the entire tribe, making it a subject of ridicule among other tribes.
The elder continues:
“When the day arrived, we were seven boys—three from my tribe and four from a neighboring tribe. We began early that day. After midday, sheep were slaughtered, and millet flour was prepared until just before sunset. By evening, neighboring tribes started arriving. The elders and leaders welcomed the guests, each tribe reciting poetry to praise the hosts’ generosity, courage, and hospitality.
After sunset, cooking pots and a sheep were distributed to each attending tribe, along with salt. Each tribe would then prepare its sheep and feast together until after the evening prayer. The men would gather in a circle at the ceremony ground, while the women sat nearby, observing what is called ‘Al-Madara,’ a Socotri traditional dance. Some women sang old Socotri songs, often showcasing their creativity in singing, alternating between chants (‘Wa ya wa ya wa’) and lyrics to encourage the boys, praise the tribe, or express longing for an absent loved one.
Some men, passionate about the ‘Samaher’ singing style, would join in with their golden voices, making the gathering even more lively. The festivities continued with poetry recitals, where men often composed verses praising or critiquing aspects of the event, sometimes using it as an opportunity to settle old disputes. Others performed the ‘Maqlahem,’ a traditional jumping and spinning dance, often lifting one of the boys to showcase their bravery.”
The Circumcision Ceremony
The elder recounts the tense moments of the ceremony:
“After dawn prayers, everyone returned to the ceremony ground. The boys sat in a circle, surrounded by their families, who were filled with anxiety about the possibility of the worst—one of the boys flinching during the procedure. Such a reaction would bring eternal shame to the tribe.
A stone, known as ‘Maskida,’ was placed in the center of the circle. The circumciser, called ‘Mazidhar,’ stood beside it. When my turn came, I coated my head with animal fat to keep my hair still, a sign of bravery. I circled the ‘Maskida’ stone two or three times as a show of courage before sitting on it and lifting my garment. Mazidhar swiftly performed the procedure using a razor, wrapping the wound with cloth.
Despite the searing pain, I ran as fast as I could, holding back tears to preserve my reputation and that of my tribe. A relative chased after me to ensure I reached the prepared recovery area. If I stumbled or failed to make it, it would mean disgrace for my tribe, and I might never find a wife. Fortunately, I succeeded, and the ceremony concluded with everyone returning to their homes.”
A Tradition of the Past
These traditions faded in the 1990s, as many elders now believe they were both beautiful and challenging. While the practice showcased bravery, it was grueling and sometimes dangerous. Some boys bore lifelong scars, and there were even cases of death due to bleeding. However, these customs are part of the Socotri people’s history, written here to preserve the heritage for future generations.
Interestingly, the practice of adolescent circumcision is ancient, dating back to the pharaohs and other ethnic groups worldwide. Its continuity in Socotra was largely due to the island’s prolonged isolation.
It is worth noting that female circumcision is entirely absent from Socotri culture. Elders express astonishment when they hear about its prevalence in other parts of Yemen, the Arab world, or Islamic regions.