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Queen Mothers
Ewe: Dr. Ofori Akyea, Rosen Publishing, New York, 1998
The women in Ewe society are represented by the Mama, or Queen Mother. The kingmakers elect her upon the death of the previous queen mother and name her after a highly respected female ancestor. The Queen Mother is usually the most senior woman of the clan from which the next chief will be selected after the death of the current ruler.
Today, factors such as education and national influence may override the seniority requirement. The Queen Mother leads and organizes the women in such civic activities as running the market and keeping it clean. These are important tasks, because the market is a vital social center for the community. Apart from being a place where goods are exchanged, the market is also a common meeting place. Marriage partners often meet for the first time at the market. In times of crisis, the queen mother leads the women in keeping the society going. When Ewe men go to war, as they have often done in the past, or when they pay visits to the royal court of the duko, as they continue to do today, the Queen Mother organizes the women to take over the administration. Every morning and evening she leads the women in a religious ceremony, called be brebe, to ensure the safe return of the men.
Return to: Ancient Lore
