Overview

The Parameters of a Traditional Nuäär Marriage Easy to follow and understand, The Parameters of a Traditional Nuäär Marriage, by Dr. James Mabor provides an in-depth understanding of the customs and traditions of the Nuäär People, from marriage to birth and building a family. Covering various types of marriages including ghost marriage and concubinage, the author explains the exceptional circumstances leading to and resulting from each relationship type. For the Nuäär People, marriage is a responsibility that everyone must fulfil. 'He who does not participate in it is a curse to the community, he is a rebel and a lawbreaker, he is not only abnormal but 'under human''. With these strong obligations for marriage, the author describes how some Nuäär are forced into incestuous marriages, concubinage and other relationships - to avoid being considered cursed or inhuman. Starting from the custom of looking for a bride and negotiating the bride-wealth, the author presents the series of unique marriage events in chronological order, explaining not only the organizational and functional structure of a Nuäär Family, but also how different clans are connected through the same tribal values. The author rightfully claims that no other scholarly work provides this detail or explanation for the rich customs of the Nuäär people, in the historical and economical context of cattle value for bride-wealth. Surely, this book will prove to be an invaluable asset to anthropologists and social scientists and for anyone seeking to understand Africa's rich and unique cultures.

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9780645301014

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The Parameters of a Traditional Nuäär Marriage The book, The Parameters of a Traditional Nuäär Marriage is an elaborate thesis on the lives of the Nuäär People focusing on their customs, traditions and beliefs regarding marriage in particular, and about life in general. The author, Dr. James Mabor, has comprehensively yet painstakingly explained all stages of marriage within the Nuäär culture and its subcultures, including pre and post marriage rituals, bride-wealth and pre-set conditions, cultural expectations, rights and responsibilities of the bride, groom and their respective families. The book emphasizes that for the Nuäär, marriage is more than just a union of two individuals, it is a merger of two families. It expands the family circle and elevates the social status of a couple. The rich wedding celebrations are entertaining and exciting for everyone involved and deeply meaningful for the families of the bride and groom. In less than 200 pages, the book covers very intricate details surrounding bride-wealth, marriage negotiations and the subsequent celebratory customs. However, some sections of the book are not for the faint-hearted as it explores and delves deep into the cultural practices, which may appear painful and spine-chilling for readers without a full contextual understanding. Surely, the author has presented such sensitive information with extreme care whilst providing context to each cultural practice. The significance of Bride-wealth in terms of cattle value is explained in detail with reference to each marriage type. Although traditionally monogamous, polygamy is also not uncommon among the Nuäär. Exogamy, polygyny, levirate, woman-to-woman marriage, ghost marriage and concubinage are other kinds of relationships that are detailed as practised. The author explains the different circumstances leading to each marriage type and the consequences thereof. In particular, he provides an understanding of the legitimacy of concubinage, woman to woman and ghost marriages in Nuäär culture. Furthermore, the author also explains how the war of independence which resulted in the displacement of the Nuäär People influenced their traditions and customs including those associated with marriage. Undeniably, this book will prove to be an incredibly dense source of authentic knowledge for the Nuäär diaspora, social scientists and the general public alike.

The Parameters of a Traditional Nuaar Marriage The book, The Parameters of a Traditional Nuaar Marriage is an elaborate thesis on the lives of the Nuaar People focusing on their customs, traditions and beliefs regarding marriage in particular, and about life in general. The author, Dr. James Mabor, has comprehensively yet painstakingly explained all stages of marriage within the Nuaar culture and its subcultures, including pre and post marriage rituals, bride-wealth and pre-set conditions, cultural expectations, rights and responsibilities of the bride, groom and their respective families. The book emphasizes that for the Nuaar, marriage is more than just a union of two individuals, it is a merger of two families. It expands the family circle and elevates the social status of a couple. The rich wedding celebrations are entertaining and exciting for everyone involved and deeply meaningful for the families of the bride and groom. In less than 200 pages, the book covers very intricate details surrounding bride-wealth, marriage negotiations and the subsequent celebratory customs. However, some sections of the book are not for the faint-hearted as it explores and delves deep into the cultural practices, which may appear painful and spine-chilling for readers without a full contextual understanding. Surely, the author has presented such sensitive information with extreme care whilst providing context to each cultural practice. The significance of Bride-wealth in terms of cattle value is explained in detail with reference to each marriage type. Although traditionally monogamous, polygamy is also not uncommon among the Nuaar. Exogamy, polygyny, levirate, woman-to-woman marriage, ghost marriage and concubinage are other kinds of relationships that are detailed as practised. The author explains the different circumstances leading to each marriage type and the consequences thereof. In particular, he provides an understanding of the legitimacy of concubinage, woman to woman and ghost marriages in Nuaar culture. Furthermore, the author also explains how the war of independence which resulted in the displacement of the Nuaar People influenced their traditions and customs including those associated with marriage. Undeniably, this book will prove to be an incredibly dense source of authentic knowledge for the Nuaar diaspora, social scientists and the general public alike.

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