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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The Changing Role of Queenmothers in the Akan Polity
Author:Boaten, Nana AbayieISNI
Year:1992
Periodical:Research Review (ISSN 0855-4412)
Volume:8
Issue:1-2
Pages:90-100
Language:English
Geographic term:Ghana
Subjects:Akan polities
women rulers
Cultural Roles
Sex Roles
Historical/Biographical
Equality and Liberation
Education and Training
Abstract:In Akan society (Ghana) the queen mother or 'stool mother' ('ohenmaa') was the female ruler whose role traditionally complemented that of the male ruler or chief. She was selected by the incumbent chief from amongst the elderly female members of the royal lineage and her functions included advising the chief, ensuring that the royal lineage remained intact, and taking charge of the female affairs of the community. Moreover, it was her singular prerogative to select or nominate a candidate to be made a chief. A profile of the position of Asantehenmaa, the stool mother of the Golden Stool, illustrates the position of stool mothers in the Akan polity in general. Today, Western education and women's liberation are affecting the traditional role and position of stool mothers. Many educated women are being enstooled. They are demanding a greater say in the affairs of their traditional areas and have formed stool mothers' associations ('ahenmaa kuo') to press home their rights. Bibliogr., notes.
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