Woman as container. Ceramic production, gender and emotions in the kingdom of Babessi (Northwest Cameroon)

Abstract

This study explores the role of women in the hierarchical societies of the Grassfields region in northwestern Cameroon, focusing on the kingdom of Babessi. Despite the public sphere being dominated by men, women are traditionally confined to the domestic domain, where they engage in activities like pottery making. Il testo examines how the craft of ceramics, which Babessi women are renowned for, serves not only as a technical skill but also as a means of emotional education. Pottery is used as a metaphor for gestation, and the control of emotions is seen as essential in both processes. The study highlights how women are taught to contain and manage their emotions, such as anger and jealousy, to avoid disrupting their work and social harmony. The concept of containment is also significant for men, particularly in the context of power and hierarchy, though it manifests differently. The article argues that pottery and emotional control are integral to the construction of gender identity and social order in Babessi, drawing parallels between the creation of pottery and the nurturing role of women in society.