Gender, Ethnicity, and Social Change on the Upper Slave Coast: A History of the Anlo-Ewe

by Sandra E. Greene

Sandra Greene argues convincingly that gender studies and ethnicity in precolonial Africa cannot be understood in isolation. Her book focuses on the history of the Anlo-Ewe of southeastern Ghana over three centuries. It documents the changes that occurred in ethnic boundaries as the community absorbed refugees, traders, and conquerors. It then analyzes the way shifting ethnic definitions affected gender relations. Greene eschews simplistic analyses of oppression and agency. All in Anlo society are given a voice and allowed to speak from their own perspective--a new and exciting standard for analyzing the history of social relations in precolonial Africa.

209 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Mwanafunzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent study of the Ewe-speaking Anlo peoples of southeastern Ghana from the late seventeenth century on. Greene starts her account with the incorporation of the migratory Anlo into the neighbouring Akwamu polity, the catalyst for which was the rise of the Akan state. There arose a set of “insider” and “outsider” clans to differentiate between the region’s inhabitants. The insiders were first-comers that had deeply established lineages, while the outsiders were new-comers who lacked prestige and access to land. Greene convincingly argues that these clan identities became ethnic categories, and furthermore that these identities were gendered. One’s matrilineal relations were paramount, as this system dictated who could claim high status and access to resources. As in other African societies, the matrilineal focus here did not necessarily translate into increased power for women. In fact, because women’s relations were so important, their marriage partners were often carefully managed by clan leaders. Greene shows that many women adopted strategies within this structure, including involvement in Atlantic commerce. Outsiders, seen as lesser in the local system, could try to form connections with new European traders along the coast. Women could enter into concubinage or into the religious orders as a way to gain some autonomy. Definitely one of the best histories of slavery that features sustained gender analysis.