ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the operation of infibulation and outlines indigenous and academic explanations for this practice. Barclay, in his study of Buurri al Lamaab, Sudan, describes "infibulation" as an operation that is generally performed on young girls between the ages of four and eleven years. It involves the removal of much of the labia majora, the labia minora, and often the clitoris, using razors, knives, or other sharp objects. Indigenous explanations of the purpose of infibulation can be summarized as: it is tradition; it has religious significance; it preserves virginity until the time of marriage; it is hygienic and purifying; it curbs the excessive sexuality of females; it promotes fertility; and it maintains general body health. Indigenous concepts about both female sexuality and Islamic tradition seem to play an important part in indigenous perspectives on infibulation. Infibulation has also been seen as an effective means of controlling population growth in an area of very restricted carrying capacity.
