The title of queen mother is an English compound word used to collectively describe women in traditional African leadership roles. Queen mother (also Queenmother) is a term used to describe certain female traditional rulers in African cultures. These women hold significant positions of power and influence, serving as advisors, counselors, and advocates for their communities. Let's delve into the history and diverse roles of these remarkable figures.
Diverse Titles and Roles
Across the African continent, queen mothers are known by various names, each reflecting the unique cultural heritage of their respective communities:
- The Akan peoples use the term ohemmaa, which means "female ruler".
- In the Ga tradition, they are called manye or "community mother".
- In the defunct Kingdom of Burundi, a queen mother was known as a Mugabekazi.
- Amongst the Fon people of Dahomey, the Kpojito serves as the queen mother.
- In the old Kingdom of Kongo, a queen mother was known as a Mwene Nzimba Mpungu.
- In the Kingdom of Kush, a queen mother was known as a Kandake.
- In the Mali Empire, the most important woman in the realm was the Qasa, the senior wife and co-ruler of the ruling emperor.
- In the Serer kingdoms of Senegambia, a queen mother was referred to as a Lingeer.
- Amongst the Swazi people of Southern Africa, the queen mother is known as the Ndlovukati.
- Amongst the Tswana people, the queen mother is referred to as the Mohumagadi Mma Kgosi.
Traditionally, the Kpojito of Dahomey had religious appeals, served as a counsel to the king, and pleaded before him in capital cases. Today the kpojito still holds a position of influence within the kingdom's great council and also oversees both a significant portion of Dahomey's day-to-day administration and the ceremonial remnant of the famous Dahomey Amazons military unit. She serves as an advisor to her son the chief, or Kgosi, and is generally held in high esteem by the members of the tribe that he rules. Joining her son the king, or Ingwenyama of Eswatini, she rules the kingdom of Eswatini in what is essentially a diarchy. She was typically the mother or sister of the reigning king, or Lamane, and ruled her own territory in his kingdom.
Historical Significance
In ancient Egypt, the principal consort of the Pharaoh was known as the Great Royal Wife. She presided over her husband's harem, served a variety of priestly functions in the kingdom, and was even sometimes an heir to the throne in her own right due to her hereditary background. Later, in the Egyptian successor state ruled by the Muhammad Ali dynasty, the king had a consort known as a Khanum whose activities followed the precedent set by the queens and empresses of Ottoman Turkey. In the customs of the Hausa peoples, a female ruler was known as either a Kabara or a Magajiya.
In dealing with the Kingdom of Ngola, the Portuguese encountered fierce resistance from a powerful woman by the name of Ana Nzinga. Nzinga was the sister of the king of Ngola and worked with the Portuguese to negotiate a peace. In 1624, Nzinga’s brother died and she became the ruler of Ngola. Nzinga appointed women to all of most important positions. The Portuguese soon broke their treaties with Nzinga and sent armed forces to subdue Ngola. The queen sent her forces into battle, in turn, troops that included many women warriors. Nzinga renounced Christianity and adopted a fierce resistance until 1635, conquering neighboring kingdoms in the meantime.
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Modern-Day Influence
In 1988, the Ashanti Queen Mother Association was formed, now with around forty-four women leaders from the Ashanti region as members. More recently, areas such as the Upper West Region of Ghana, where the tradition of having queen mothers has not been practiced, have been encouraged to "reinstall" queen mothers by advocates of women's empowerment. Women of varying ages and ancestries are installed as the "titled mothers of the kings" of the Yoruba. The Erelu Kuti of Lagos, for example, is ranked third in the order of precedence. She serves as regent when the "stool" of the king, or Oba of Lagos, is vacant. As part of the coronation ceremonies for a new oba, she also publicly blesses the candidate prior to his installation. Elsewhere, in Egbaland, the Moshade is another example. A titled courtier in the service of the king, or Alake of Egbaland, she is the functionary charged with the responsibility of crowning him. Following this, she also conducts the installations of all of his subordinate chiefs. In addition to these and other women in Yorubaland that hold the title "iya oba", there is also a class of women that are known as oba obirin or "king of the women".
Queen Mothers play a vital role in modern African societies, often working to promote education, healthcare, and economic development. They are also involved in conflict resolution and advocacy for women's rights. As the primary caregivers for children, Queen Mothers are uniquely positioned to address the needs of orphans and vulnerable children, particularly in communities affected by HIV/AIDS. They serve as a vital link between traditional customs and modern challenges, ensuring that cultural heritage is preserved while also promoting progress and equality.
Table: Examples of African Queen Mother Titles and Roles
| Region/Culture | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Akan Peoples | Ohemmaa | Female Ruler |
| Ga Tradition | Manye | Community Mother |
| Fon People of Dahomey | Kpojito | Counsel to the King, Oversees Administration |
| Swazi People | Ndlovukati | Rules the Kingdom with the King |
| Tswana People | Mohumagadi Mma Kgosi | Advisor to the Chief |
| Yoruba People | Iya Oba | "King of the Women" |
Queen Mothers of Ghana: Role
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