Mfecane, Sakhumzi2018-05-312018-05-312016Mfecane, S. (2016). �Ndiyindoda� [I am a man]: theorising Xhosa masculinity. Anthropology Southern Africa, 39(3): 204-214.2332-3256http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/23323256.2016.1208535https://hdl.handle.net/10566/3756Masculinity studies in South Africa depend on Western gender theories to frame research questions and fieldwork. This article argues that such theories offer a limited understanding of Xhosa constructions of masculinity. Xhosa notions of masculinity are embodied in the concept of indoda, meaning a traditionally circumcised person. This article explores the nuanced meanings of indoda and its relationship to other masculinities, like uncircumcised boys [inkwenkwe] and medically circumcised men. The discussion reveals that indoda is the most �honoured� form of masculinity. A traditionally circumcised individual is regarded as indoda, a real man, irrespective of his sexual orientation or class, and this affords him certain rights and privileges. Inkwenkwe and medically circumcised men embody �subordinate� forms of masculinity and are victims of stigma and discrimination by indoda. This requires us to revisit some Western theories of masculinity which place heterosexual men at the top of a masculine hierarchy and gay men at the bottom. It furthermore requires us to pay attention to the body when theorising Xhosa masculinity, since it is a principal way of �proving� and �defending� Xhosa manhood.enThis is the author-version of the article published online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/23323256.2016.1208535Hegemonic masculinityIndodaSouth AfricaTheory from the SouthXhosaArticle