International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue V, May 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186

Abolition of Exchange Marriage System Amongst the Tiv People and its Socioeconomic Implications

Wayas, David Tarhom. Ph.D.¹, David-Wayas, Onyinye Ph. D^2٭
1Department of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages, University of Nigeria
²Department of Economics, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria
*Corresponding Author

Abstract:- The paper examines the issues associated with the exchange marriage system amongst the Tiv people. Using historical and analytical approaches, the paper observes that exchange marriage rite was a product of trade by barter practiced during the pre- colonial era. The Tiv people used the exchange marriage system called ‘yamshe’ as a sign of love, economic empowerment and unity among families. However, it is believed that this form of marriage most often introduces some elements of witchcraft practices. The idea of ‘yan ngyor’/giving a daughter to a brother to give out in marriage as a symbol of love and economic empowerment for his livelihood was later seen as a practice responsible for the death of people. The paper also observes that causative agents of death in families revolved around the yamshe practice. The abolition of this practice introduced the kem kwase/ pride price which is seen as an act of cultural evolutions. The economic empowerment and its prospects got phased out while the capitalist -oriented marriage system introduced at the expense of the people. The custodians of cultures (traditional rulers) should as a matter of relevance, appreciate the socioeconomic aspects of the exchange marriage system by setting out traditional regulatatory institutions to control the cost of marriage and other extortions.

Key Words: Exchange rite, marriage, Tiv and abolition

I. INTRODUCTION

Marriage is a social contract in which a person of either sex (corporate or individual) in person or by proxy has a subsisting claim to the right of sexual access to his/her partner(s) in which it is culturally acceptable for children to result. From the definition, it is at least clear that marriage involves at least two people (most commonly of the opposite sex) who agree to live together (or sometimes apart) in a relationship capable of producing children who are recognised as legitimate constituents of the society. The object of marriage in society has been changing over time. In the very early stages of humanity, the marriage contract could have been predominantly entered into for survival reasons. The imperative, then could have been to ensure continuity of species since only marriage could have given the couple better chances of making it through to their children’s maturity by combining to get shelter, food, water and security. Prior to this, when marriage could have been absent, the lone woman impregnated by a casual contact could have been left alone to give birth, even at the mercy of the elements, beasts and even other humans.