Synopses & Reviews
Two questions dominate this ethnographic, literary, and historical study of Somali society through its orature. First, in what ways do Somali oral texts provide information about women and gender relations in Somalisociety? Second, how do these oral texts present the concepts of "tradition" and an authentic cultural heritage and identity, particularly as these concepts affect women and gender relations? In seeking to answer these questions, Kapteijns has gathered a considerable number of Somali oral texts and popular songs. The firstpart of the book focuses on the texts from the colonial period and develops a critical ethnography of women and gender relations while the second part considers contemporary love songs as important cultural sites for debate about women and "tradition." Kapteijns' book will enlighten readers unfamiliar with the wit and spirit of Somali culture. Somali readers will find the book essential for critically engaging the received notions of their past and traditions.
Synopsis
Cloth Edition.Kapteijns' book will enlighten readers unfamiliar with the wit and spirit of Somali culture. Somali readers will find the book essential for critically engaging the received notions of their past and traditions.
About the Author
LIDWIEN KAPTEIJNS is Professor of History at Wellesley College.
Table of Contents
Introduction PART ONE: WOMEN AND GENDER EXPECTATIONS IN NORTHERN SOMALI ORATURE OF THE "ERA OF FIRE AND EMBERS" (1899-1944)
Introduction to Somali Society and History in the Colonial Period
Girls in Somali Stories, Sayings, and Songs
married Women's Obedience and Sexual Fidelity
Married Women's Work and Competence Notes to Part One PART TWO: WOMEN AND GENDER EXPECTATIONS IN SOMALI LOVE SONGS OF THE PERIOD C. 1944-1980
The Birth of a New Genre, the Popular Song
Being in Love and Suffering Its Symptoms
Reimagining Courtship: Romantic Love Versus the Discipline of Family and Kin Group
Marriage and Its Critics: "Tradition" as a Literary Weapon Conclusion Notes to Part Two APPENDIX OF SOMALI LOVE SONGS QUOTED IN PART TWO List of Love Songs by Title and/or First Line List of Singers and Authors Texts of Songs and Song Fragments Bibliography The Oral Sources The Written Sources