Bull Jumping Ceremony

In Hamar and Bana tribes when the boy is ready for to become a “man” (Maza), a bull jumping ceremony is held. The ceremony is his gateway to enter manhood and become a Maza.

The ceremony starts as a group of Mazas (those who have already jumped over bulls) arrive at the site carrying long thin switches and for whom the boy’s family, friends and guests, especially the women folk, have been waiting for.  Young girls as well as women would run up the Mazas in frenzy to be the first to be whipped on their backs. Backs of many of these women already have severe welt marks from previous ceremonies. Welt marks are considered sign of love and devotion.

Towards the end of the day the Mazas and other elders gather 10 to 15 bulls and hold them next to each other side by side. When ready, the novice (Ukuli) will run over the backs of the bulls naked as many times as he can, but he must run a minimum of 4 times to become a Maza.