Each boy has now to appear before the old men and ask for permission to be circumcised. This ordeal is called "Going to Kimasop," Kimasop being the name for the old man wrapped in furs. On his entrance the boy is shown a torch and told that if he does not speak the truth the fire will enter his nose. He has then to make a confession of his past life. Should the old men believe that he is not speaking the truth or is hiding something from them, a little eleusine grain is surreptitiously dropped on the fire, and when it explodes he is warned to be careful, as he is displeasing the spirits of the dead. Should he still be reticent about his former misdeeds or refuse to disclose any of his past doings, he is made to sit on a stool covered with stinging nettles.²

²Hollis, A. C.n/an/an/an/a, , 54 (Clarendon Press. By permission).