Hadza gender rituals – epeme and maitoko – considered as counterparts

Power, Camilla

doi:https://doi.org/10.3828/hgr.2015.18

Power, Camilla

Hunter Gatherer Research (2015), 1, (3), 333–358.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3828/hgr.2015.18
Language: English
Pages: 26

Abstract

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 epeme, and the less frequently performed female initiation, maitoko. Both sexes are participants in each ritual, but epeme is governed by male-held ‘secrets’, while maitoko 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 epeme – a male ‘secret’ – is also the source for dramatic ritual enactment by women and girls in maitoko. While epeme rules of respect underpin Hadza ritual and economic life, the importance of maitoko 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.

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