essay

Political and military roles of Akan women

female and male in west africaLondon • Published In 1983 • Pages: 91-98

By: Arhin, Kwame.

Abstract
In this article, Arhin discusses the political and associated military organization of the Akan and women's roles within them. Arhin writes that ‘Female stools complemented the hierarchy of male stools.’ Women had a place in the village and town councils and participated in legislative and judicial processes. The chief's wife, OHEMMA, had her own oath, court, and spokesman. She was also the foremost authority on genealogies and therefore played a major role in chiefly succession. Political marriage was an important strategy in uniting the Asante empire. Women played a supportive role in war, encouraging their men on by performing dances and songs behind the lines. One Asante heroine precipitated the 1900 British siege of Kumasi by defying the British governor's demand to take the Golden Stool.
Subjects
Status, role, and prestige
Clans
Towns
Chief executive
Military organization
Gender roles and issues
culture
Akan
HRAF PubDate
2000
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Western Africa
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Social Scientist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ;1999
Field Date
Not Specified
Coverage Date
1700-1900
Coverage Place
Ashanti; Ghana
Notes
Kwame Arhin
For bibliographical references see source 56: Anonymous
LCCN
82020767
LCSH
Akan (African people)