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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Sexual practices and sensual selves in Zanzibar
Author:Boswell, Rosabelle
Year:2008
Periodical:Anthropology Southern Africa
Volume:31
Issue:1-2
Pages:70-83
Language:English
Geographic terms:Tanzania
Zanzibar
Subjects:women
sexuality
gender relations
sensory perception
Abstract:This paper focuses on sexuality and contemporary sensual behaviour among Zanzibari women and their use of scent in these domains. The author argues that scent forms an integral part of different life cycle rituals which are embedded in gendered everyday relations. Scents are useful in courting, marriage, birth and sexual attraction. While fragrance is an essential part of the discussion, it is the nature of sexuality and the use of pleasure in Zanzibar that are principally discussed. Despite the prevalence of patriarchy in Zanzibar, women prioritize sensual pleasure, furthering their power and control in society. One main reason for the prioritization of pleasure is that in Islamic Zanzibar the use and deployment of pleasure is associated with achieving a feminine gendered identity. Research on sexuality has methodological implications and these, as well as the changing context for women's sexuality in Zanzibar, are also discussed. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]
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