Becoming a woman in Okrika /
This visually stunning film documents an extraordinary coming of age ritual in a village in the Niger Delta. It suggests the conflict Third World women face between traditions and the values of the modern world. The rite, called Iria, consists of elaborately painting the young women s bodies with be...
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| Other Authors: | , |
| Format: | Video |
| Language: | English |
| Language Notes: | English. |
| Series: | Filmakers Library online.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Connect to this streaming video (Alexander Street Press) |
| Summary: | This visually stunning film documents an extraordinary coming of age ritual in a village in the Niger Delta. It suggests the conflict Third World women face between traditions and the values of the modern world. The rite, called Iria, consists of elaborately painting the young women s bodies with beautiful designs; subjecting their bodies to public scrutiny by the elder women; methodically fattening them; and teaching them the responsibilities of womanhood. After an elaborate celebration, they run a race pursued by young men and their leader, representing a mythological personage who is armed with sticks. By passing through this rite, the women let go of girlish fantasies and prepare for childbearing. This unique film will provoke discussion in Women s Studies, African Studies, Anthropology, and Development courses. |
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| Physical Description: | 1 online resource (27 min.) |
| Playing Time: | 00:27:00 |
| Audience: | For High School; College; Adult audiences. |
| Awards: | National Women's Studies Conference, 1992 American Psychiatric Association, 1992 American Anthropological Association, 1991 American Film & Video Festival, 1991 First Prize, International Ethnographic Film Festival, Italy, 1990 Margaret Mead Film Festival, 1991 |