NWUNYE by Rewa

Rewa

NWUNYE, 2018

Acrylic and ink on paper

23.5 x 16.5 cm

Sold

“Wife”. The genderisation of division of labour across many societies, including that of the Igbos, has given men edge over women in the socio-political structure of said societies. This is reinforced by the image of womanhood which undergoes series of changes from Nwata (childhood) to Nwa Agbo (maidenhood) to Nwunye (wifehood) and Nne (motherhood).
This image of womanhood influences and determines the responsibilities that are ascribed to females in traditional Igbo society. As such, right from birth, girls are perceived in the light of their roles as prospective wives and mothers, and hence from infancy, the socialization of girls is tailored towards equipping them with qualities that will enable them fulfill their expected future roles as wives and mothers.