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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:A cultural panacea to the problem of 'malelessness' in Igboland of Nigeria: the study of Eze-chima clan
Author:Modo, I.V.O.ISNI
Year:1999
Periodical:African Anthropology (ISSN 1024-0969)
Volume:6
Issue:2
Period:September
Pages:198-205
Language:English
Geographic term:Nigeria
Subjects:Igbo
marriage
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
External link:https://www.ajol.info/index.php/aa/article/view/23084/19842
Abstract:This study examines how the Igbo of the Eze-chima clan, a group believed to have descended from Benin city (Nigeria), and mainly consisting of wealthy farmers, deals with the problem of 'malelessness', i.e. the lack of male children in a marriage. In this patrilineal society, a marriage not blessed with a male child is seen as a childless marriage. Male children are needed for the smooth transfer of family property from father to child. They are also desired in connection with their role in burial ceremonies. Male children are a source of social prestige and wealth. After an outline of the conceived reasons for 'malelessness' in a family, the author describes the cultural remedy adopted by the Igbo, viz. the 'Idegbe' principle. According to this principle one of the daughters in a 'maleless' marriage is kept 'in Idegbe': she is not allowed to marry, but can choose a male friend, and the male children from this relationship are considered as legitimate offspring of her father. The Idegbe arrangement helps the community to restore order by enabling a family to transfer family property to its descendants. Bibliogr.
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