Identity Among The Bribris Of Ghana And The Minangkabaus Of Indonesia

I will investigate the distribution of power through a gendered lens among the Bribris of Costa-Rica, the Ashantis of Ghana and the Minangkabaus of Indonesia. I will immerse myself into each community to assess the ramifications of matrilineality in the social, political, economic and spiritual spheres. Through dialogues with adults and adolescents of all genders, I will identify gender-specific tasks and evaluate their social value. I will emphasize my exploration on domestic life, i.e. marriage and child-rearing, coming-of-age and popular culture. Additionally, I will consider the breadth and depth of women’s economic and civic participation, as well as their involvement in spiritual matters.
Moreover, I will research the origins and evolutions of matrilineality as well as potential past and present resistances to this kinship …show more content…
With approximately nine million members, the Minangkabaus are the world’s largest matrilineal ethnic group. They have been outstandingly successful in trade and politics throughout Southeast Asia. For instance, the first Indonesian vice-president and the first president of Singapore were both Minangkabau. Like the Bribri, daughters and sisters have traditionally inherited property, and the origin of this practice is contested. Some argue that Minangkabau men’s frequent voyages compelled families to pass their properties down to the women who stayed. Conversely, others argue that may started traveling to seek a fortune they were not entitled to. I will research the history of Minangkabau matrilineality from Bukittinggi, the Minangkabaus’s cultural capital, where the Rumah Gadang Baanjuang museum of Minang culture is located. In Padang, West Sumatra’s largest city, I will explore the contemporary reality of Minangkabau women. I am currently initiating contact with a young Minang woman living in Padang thanks to a common friend I met in