"A member of the Igbo people of Nigeria who became a nun and trained as an anthropologist, Sister Joseph Therese Agbasiere had a unique opportunity to transcend some of the preconceptions and subjectivities inevitable when an 'outsider' studies any society.".

"Her richly detailed ethnography examines kinship practices, marriage customs, and women's responsibilities in the house and the community, establishing the tremendous influence that Igbo women wield in public affairs. Igbo ideas about the universe, the person and spiritual considerations are also discussed and shown to be primarily centered around women."--BOOK JACKET.