Circumcision Ceremony – Gunnamunda

“This painting depicts the circumcision ceremony where young boys about the age of 10 are called upon by elders enter manhood through special ceremony called “Gunnamunda”. The ceremony grounds central to painting are prepared by cutting fresh branched and foliage to form a wind break and offer privacy. During this ceremony special foods are prepared to celebrate the ceremony which all male members of the tribe partake. Circumcision was performed by the use of a sharpened piece of flint and is performed by a senior member. This senior member poses the equivalent of a lawman in white man society. Barney holds this position within his tribe.”