Hadza gender rituals – epeme and maitoko – considered as counterparts. Issue 3 (August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Power, Camilla
• Is Part Of: Hunter gatherer research. Volume 1:Issue 3(2015:Aug.)
• Page Start: 333
• Page End: 358
• Publication Date: 2015-08
• Subjects: Hunting and gathering societies -- Periodicals; 306.364
• DOI: 10.3828/hgr.2015.18
• Languages: German
• ISSNs: 1476-4261

Abstract

<abstract xml:lang="de"> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>Relative to the large amount of behavioural ecology literature, little has been documented on Hadza ritual activity. Nor has it been placed in context of myth and narrative. This is a serious lack given the agreement of both social anthropology (Durkheim, Turner, Rappaport) and more recent evolutionary approaches, eg Sosis and Bulbulia, on the central importance of ritual as the medium for establishing symbols and showing commitment to the group. This paper examines the relationship of the two gender rituals, the more regular monthly <italic>epeme</italic>, and the less frequently performed female initiation, <italic>maitoko</italic>. Both sexes are participants in each ritual, but <italic>epeme</italic> is governed by male-held 'secrets', while <italic>maitoko</italic> is governed by female ones. Drawing on a case study where the two rituals ran concurrently, one by night, one by day, I will link them as counterparts in a gender contest. The key myth on origins of <italic>epeme</italic> – a male 'secret' – is also the source for dramatic ritual enactment by women and girls in <italic>maitoko</italic>. While <italic>epeme</italic> rules of respect underpin Hadza ritual and economic life, the importance of <italic>maitoko</italic> for women's solidarity is indicated by its greater costliness. The relationship of these contesting but counterpart rituals fits a model of a 'pendulum of power' swinging between men and women (cf Lewis, Finnegan), implying that huntergatherer gender relations should be considered as dynamic.</p> </abstract>