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THE TEST OF MANHOOD IN KENYA’S BARINGO COUNTY

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Far from the bustling city of Nairobi, in an isolated corner of Kenya’s Rift Valley, young men from the Pokot community spear a bull in a ceremony called Sapana that takes them into adulthood. Following the ritual improves men’s marriage prospects, provided they can amass a dowry of livestock for their bride. Initiates can also take part in local decision-making in a region where tradition remains strong and cattle play a central part in daily life. Text and photos by Siegfried Modola

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