When men and women mattered

In When Men and Women Mattered, Onaiwu W. Ogbomo explores gender relations among the Owan communities of Nigeria from ca. 1320-1900. Relying upon narrative traditions, totemic observances, shrine traditions, god and goddess legends, as well as festivals and re-enactment ceremonies, Ogbomo questions conventional wisdom which asserts that patriarchy has been the norm in all societies. In a well researched, insightful, and unique analysis, Ogbomo states that the Owan people once lived in acephalous (chiefless) and matrilocal communities, following matrilineal descent patterns. Goddess traditions and festivals suggest female authority figures, hence the period before ca. 1500 can be referred as matriarchal. In a significant way, this book adds to our understanding of the origins of patriarchy. More importantly it places the development of patriarchy in historical perspectives as it relates to the history of Owan people. This study also reconceptualizes matriarchy as not merely rule by women, but a phase in the history of societies in which gender equality existed. Hence, the postulation that in the development of Owan communities, males and females played pivotal roles.