The Queenmother, Matriarchy, and the Question of Female Political Authority in Precolonial West African Monarchy
Author(s)
Farrar, Tarikhu
Abstract
Farrar examines various interpretations of the role and function of the “queenmother” in precolonial West African monarchic systems. Some consider the office of the queenmother to have been strictly ceremonial, while others see as more than just an active political figurehead. There is much evidence for powerful matriarchical undercurrents in precolonial West African societies that suggests a much more profound position occupied by female figures of political authority, though some scholars question the existence of a true “matriarchy.” Farrar considers a broad range of research to draw conclusions about the early history of queenmothership and other female political titles in ancient and precolonial African political systems.
