article

The dowery in Greece: terminological usage and historical reconstruction

Ethnohistory27 (3) • Published In 1980 • Pages: 225-241

By: Herzfeld, Michael.

Abstract
In this article, Herzfeld examines the meaning and institutional continuity of 'dowry' (PRIKA) in a Rhodian farming village. He discovers that PRIKA is not as simple as 'real estate conferred on a woman when she marries.' Informants could not give an abstract definition of PRIKA when asked, but answered in a variety of specific responses depending on the context, equating PRIKA with a 'house,' 'money,' or 'animal.' Herzfeld questions if it is possible to translate the concept of PRIKA in all it meanings and if dowry as understood by Rhodians can be considered a true institution in Greek legal or Western academic terms.
Subjects
Real property
Inheritance
Medium of exchange
Mode of marriage
culture
Greeks
HRAF PubDate
2003
Region
Europe
Sub Region
Southeastern Europe
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 2002
Field Date
1973-1974
Coverage Date
1930-1974
Coverage Place
'Pefko', Rhodes, Greece
Notes
Michael Herzfeld
Includes bibliographical references (p. 239-241)
LCCN
57043343
LCSH
Greece