For weeks young Manuel and his cousin have been running to all of their relatives villages and dancing for hours to announce their upcoming ceremony of manhood.

To demonstrate his strength and endurance Manuel danced all night prior to his circumcision the following morning.

The following morning a cow was butchered and the stomach contents spread on his head. Owning cattle is a sign of wealth and being connected to them is important.

Mud from the sacred river is formed into a headdress with a young blade of grass pressed into it. Later the headdress is removed indicating that he is no longer a boy, but has become a man.

The site of the upcoming operation is carefully cleaned with water from the sacred river.

Walking from the sacred river back to the village to perform the circumcision.

With the whole village watching, Manuel bravely endured the operation while holding his fingers in the peace sign. The circumcisor took 8 seconds, 2 seconds longer than normal and there was some discussion about his abilities.

With the circumcision finished the village dances and celebrates their new warrior.

His headdress, childhood toys and utensils taken away, Manuel receives gifts of blankets, a goat, money and tools that he will need as a man.