Every three years, the Dogon round up all the boys over the age
of 12 who have not yet been circumcized, and begin the ritual of
passage to manhood. High in the cliffs, there is a special place
where boys are seated on a special stone where chop! and a
week-long tradition of teachings and exercizses prepares the
young men for adulthood. It is here where they are taught ancient
rules for social and all other forms of conduct in the village. They
also perform tasks, such as playing musical instruments, throwing
stones, and not crying during the big snip.
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