FATTENING, A TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION IN ANNANG ANTIQUITY: ITS LEADERSHIP ROLE AND LIMITATIONS

Abstract

This essay investigates an ancient traditional female institution of learning in Annang land, Ukwoho Mbobo – the fattening institution. It was a semi-formal institution that formed maidens prior to marriage for two objectives: Firstly, bodily nourishment achieved by excessive feeding, total confinement and body massage. Secondly, teachings such as etiquette, leadership roles, traditional values, virtues, beliefs and Annang wisdom. It imparted values such as honesty, industriousness, obedience, respect etc. norms such as respect for the sanctity of life, marriage, the human person, solidarity to one’s kin communal spirit etc. which invariably raised the ethical standard for which the Annang women were reputed. These values and norms inculcated in the adolescence was practical in the family and assisted them in exercising their leadership roles in the family and in the society which they understood as joint action. The values and the norms being indigenous, apt to the African context and realities imply that native ways were better digested and were pragmatic for leadership/governing roles. This article argues that for its strength, this ancient practice was significant to training of adolescence that became good mothers, wives and community leaders, significant role in the Annang traditional government, supplemented for the deprived opportunity for female education. It contributed to the societal ethos and peaceful coexistence along with other traditional agencies that operated then. It concludes that the demerits of the institution that we perceive today were then desirable bodily ornaments.