The name is absent

women especially in the rare higher oaths which were designed as the extreme
forms of the oath experience.⁵⁸

Sexual acts and gestures changed the nature of oathing into a much more
secretive and unified ceremony because participants may have been ashamed to
reveal what actually happened in detail. It is important to note that other societies
in Africa utilized different forms of sexual practices in powerful ceremonies, so
this is not completely unique to Kenya. However, the integration of these new
acts is representative of how gender dynamics altered the oath. They brought to
the oathing ceremonies their female bodies and presence that revolutionized the
oathing experience. The objective was not to rape or violate women or men.
Instead sexual gestures, menstrual, blood, and the female body were all
extensions of resources the administrator used depending on the oath type and
situation to conduct a shocking, revered, and powerful ceremony.

The Mau Mau oath also transformed women from their previous state. The
presence of women in many ways feminized what was once perceived to be a
masculine space. The oath created new roles for women that were typically the
domain of men and thus helped to increase and elevate her mobility and status.
Women in roles as oath administrators, supporters, scouts, forest camp warriors
forged a new identity for women allowing them to be politically conscious, active,
and highly valued.⁵⁹ The feelings of accomplishment by many women including
S. Kakie were widespread and helped shape women who began to understand

⁵⁸ See Macdonald, et al., Images of Women, Chapter “Kikuyu women and the politics of protest: Mau Mau”
by Tabitha Kanogo 86. An example of a sexualized higher oath ceremony, “The girl stood on one side, the
meat and the penis of the ram were then placed in her vagina, who was at that time having her ‘monthlies’.
It was given back to me and I was made to eat parts of it, including the penis and the testicles.”
⁵⁹ The various Mau Mau roles for women will be discussed later in this chapter.

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