Bride Price: Owo Ori In African literature and culture, bride price (often referred to as lobola in many Southern African cultures) is a traditional practice where the groom or his family pays a sum of money, livestock, or other valuable goods to the bride’s family in exchange for her hand in marriage. It is a deeply symbolic practice and varies significantly across different cultures and ethnic groups. Symbolism of Bride Price: 1. Cultural Value: The bride price is seen as a way of formalizing the union between two families, not just two individuals. It is a symbol of the commitment and respect between the families involved. The transaction is often viewed as a way of establishing the groom’s ability to care for the bride and fulfill his responsibilities. 2. Social Status: The amount paid as bride price may reflect the social status, wealth, or standing of the groom's family. In some cultures, it can also be a form of affirmation of the groom’s seriousness and readiness to assume the responsibilities of marriage. 3. Gender Roles and Family Relations: The bride price can be seen as a way to affirm the role of the bride within the new family structure. It often symbolizes her transition from her father’s family to that of her husband’s. In some cases, it is considered to ensure that the bride is valued, and it might also serve as a form of compensation to the bride’s family for the loss of her labor and presence. 4. Cultural Identity: Bride price can also symbolize a community’s connection to its traditions and customs. It reinforces the continuity of cultural practices and societal expectations regarding marriage. 5. Social Contract: Among the folk, the bride price is often regarded as a form of securing the marital relationship, offering a guarantee that the groom is serious and that the marriage will be respected by both parties’ families. In some cases, it serves as a security for the bride, ensuring that she is treated well in her new home. 6. Moral and Ethical Implications: The practice has been critiqued, especially in contemporary settings, for perpetuating patriarchal values, commercializing relationships, and creating inequality between men and women. However, it remains an important cultural ritual for many African societies, reflecting the intricacies of kinship, inheritance, and respect within these communities. In African literature, the bride price is often a focal point in exploring themes of tradition versus modernity, gender roles, family dynamics, and the sometimes problematic nature of cultural customs. Writers may use the practice to critique societal norms, highlighting the tension between individual desires and communal expectations. What can you say on Dowry? Adekunle Adeleke D BABA AFRIKA