Sacred Shame: Rituals and Realities of Women’s Lives in West Africa unlocks the profound and often untold stories behind the rituals that govern fidelity and morality in many West African communities. This compelling exploration reveals how deeply embedded cultural practices around adultery enforce social order through spiritual punishment, public shaming, and ritual purification—rituals that fall heavily on the shoulders of women.
Drawing on extensive cultural analysis, historical context, and personal testimonies, this book paints a rich and nuanced portrait of how women endure and navigate these intense ceremonies. From the harrowing experience of public stripping and flogging to the cleansing rituals that seek to restore their place in society, the book delves into the psychological, social, and spiritual impacts of these age-old customs. It highlights the gender inequalities entrenched in tradition, where men’s infidelities bear few consequences compared to the harsh penalties imposed on women.
Beyond describing the rituals, Sacred Shame critically examines the origins and meanings behind the practices, situating them within broader themes of community, spirituality, gender dynamics, and human rights. The book engages with the tension between cultural preservation and the urgent need for reform, offering thoughtful reflections on how these traditions shape women’s identities and futures.
This work is essential reading for anyone interested in African cultural studies, gender justice, anthropology, or spirituality. It opens a vital conversation about the costs of upholding tradition and the pathways toward fostering dignity, equality, and change for women in West Africa.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Seller: Grand Eagle Retail, Bensenville, IL, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. Sacred Shame: Rituals and Realities of Women's Lives in West Africa unlocks the profound and often untold stories behind the rituals that govern fidelity and morality in many West African communities. This compelling exploration reveals how deeply embedded cultural practices around adultery enforce social order through spiritual punishment, public shaming, and ritual purification-rituals that fall heavily on the shoulders of women.Drawing on extensive cultural analysis, historical context, and personal testimonies, this book paints a rich and nuanced portrait of how women endure and navigate these intense ceremonies. From the harrowing experience of public stripping and flogging to the cleansing rituals that seek to restore their place in society, the book delves into the psychological, social, and spiritual impacts of these age-old customs. It highlights the gender inequalities entrenched in tradition, where men's infidelities bear few consequences compared to the harsh penalties imposed on women.Beyond describing the rituals, Sacred Shame critically examines the origins and meanings behind the practices, situating them within broader themes of community, spirituality, gender dynamics, and human rights. The book engages with the tension between cultural preservation and the urgent need for reform, offering thoughtful reflections on how these traditions shape women's identities and futures.This work is essential reading for anyone interested in African cultural studies, gender justice, anthropology, or spirituality. It opens a vital conversation about the costs of upholding tradition and the pathways toward fostering dignity, equality, and change for women in West Africa. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9798270675578
Seller: GreatBookPrices, Columbia, MD, U.S.A.
Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 51516654-n
Seller: PBShop.store US, Wood Dale, IL, U.S.A.
PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # L2-9798270675578
Seller: California Books, Miami, FL, U.S.A.
Condition: New. Print on Demand. Seller Inventory # I-9798270675578
Seller: GreatBookPrices, Columbia, MD, U.S.A.
Condition: As New. Unread book in perfect condition. Seller Inventory # 51516654
Seller: PBShop.store UK, Fairford, GLOS, United Kingdom
PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # L2-9798270675578
Quantity: Over 20 available
Seller: GreatBookPricesUK, Woodford Green, United Kingdom
Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 51516654-n
Quantity: Over 20 available
Seller: GreatBookPricesUK, Woodford Green, United Kingdom
Condition: As New. Unread book in perfect condition. Seller Inventory # 51516654
Quantity: Over 20 available
Seller: CitiRetail, Stevenage, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. Sacred Shame: Rituals and Realities of Women's Lives in West Africa unlocks the profound and often untold stories behind the rituals that govern fidelity and morality in many West African communities. This compelling exploration reveals how deeply embedded cultural practices around adultery enforce social order through spiritual punishment, public shaming, and ritual purification-rituals that fall heavily on the shoulders of women.Drawing on extensive cultural analysis, historical context, and personal testimonies, this book paints a rich and nuanced portrait of how women endure and navigate these intense ceremonies. From the harrowing experience of public stripping and flogging to the cleansing rituals that seek to restore their place in society, the book delves into the psychological, social, and spiritual impacts of these age-old customs. It highlights the gender inequalities entrenched in tradition, where men's infidelities bear few consequences compared to the harsh penalties imposed on women.Beyond describing the rituals, Sacred Shame critically examines the origins and meanings behind the practices, situating them within broader themes of community, spirituality, gender dynamics, and human rights. The book engages with the tension between cultural preservation and the urgent need for reform, offering thoughtful reflections on how these traditions shape women's identities and futures.This work is essential reading for anyone interested in African cultural studies, gender justice, anthropology, or spirituality. It opens a vital conversation about the costs of upholding tradition and the pathways toward fostering dignity, equality, and change for women in West Africa. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9798270675578
Quantity: 1 available