Sexual practices and sensual selves in Zanzibar

Abstract

This paper focuses on the sexuality and contemporary sensual behaviour among Zanzibari women and their use of scent in these domains. It is argued 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 prioritise sensual pleasure, furthering their power and control in society. One main reason for the prioritisation 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 discussed.