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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | The Social and Legal Position of Lyela Women (Burkina Faso) |
Author: | Steinbrich, Sabine |
Year: | 1990 |
Periodical: | Journal of Legal Pluralism and Unofficial Law |
Issue: | 30-31 |
Pages: | 139-164 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Burkina Faso |
Subjects: | Lyélé women Cultural Roles Law, Legal Issues, and Human Rights Status of Women |
External link: | https://doi.org/10.1080/07329113.1990.10756427 |
Abstract: | This article analyses the social and legal position of women among the Lyela of Burkina Faso. It is based on field research carried out in a Lyela village from August 1982 to March 1984. Special attention is paid to three factors which are considered important for the position of women: the Earth cult and the juridical role of the 'Earth priest', the most important traditional religious and legal authority among the Lyela; Lyela marriage law and customs, with special regard to niece fostering and sororal polygyny; and the link that is made in Lyela cosmological thought between the moral conduct of women and the well-being of children, and hence ultimately the well-being of the whole community. The author further shows that French colonial law did not substantially change the situation of Lyela women. Today, a growing number of Lyela women seize the opportunity to leave the region, amongst others to free themselves from untenable forced marriages. Bibliogr., notes, ref. |