Iron, Gender, and Power: Rituals of Transformation in African Societies

Author/Contributor(s):	Herbert, Eugenia W
Publisher:	Indiana University Press
Date:	01/22/1994
Binding:	Paperback
Condition:	NEW

[Herbert] has constructed a model of power relationships structured upon gender and age, and derived from male transformative processes, and in so doing has written a notable, and most enjoyable, book. --African History

Herbert examines with great care and thoroughness the relationships between gender and power and the rationales that give them social form. . . . [Her] analytical ability is outstanding. --Patrick McNaughton

This book is a well-written and essential study of the place of belief in African material culture. --International Journal of African Historical Studies

Herbert relates the beliefs and practices associated with iron working in African cultures to other transformative activities--chiefly investiture, hunting, and pottery making--to propose a gender/age-based theory of power.