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| Title: | The Revival of Nyau and Changing Gender Relations in Early Colonial Central Malawi |
| Author: | Kachapila, Hendrina |
| Year: | 2006 |
| Periodical: | Journal of Religion in Africa |
| Volume: | 36 |
| Issue: | 3-4 |
| Pages: | 319-345 |
| Language: | English |
| Geographic term: | Malawi |
| Subjects: | secret societies gender relations Chewa matriarchy colonial period Religion and Witchcraft Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Women's Issues Cultural Roles Sex Roles Historical/Biographical |
| External link: | https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/27594390.pdf |
| Abstract: | This paper demonstrates how 'nyau' (a male secret society) redefined relations in Chewa matrilineages in central Malawi in accordance with developments that the Chewa witnessed from the mid-nineteenth century. Thanks to 'nyau' and the relatively hands-off approach the colonial State adopted towards its activities, the Chewa matrilineal system survived the effects of the slave trade, Ngoni and Yao invasions, the spread of Christian missionary teachings, the imposition of colonial rule and the development of capitalism. 'Nyau' accomplished this by ensuring that relations between Chewa men and women remained ambivalent and negotiable. Allowing men to ritually gain increased importance in 'nyau' and indeed in Chewa communities at large not only gave power to men but also ensured their continued involvement in the matrilineages. So, while female prestige declined, as evidenced by the debasement of women by 'nyau', some important aspects of the matrilineal system, such as matrilocal marriage, were preserved. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract] |
