This lecture by ethnologist Marina Bartsyts explored gender traditions in Abkhazia. Bartsyts discussed the ideals of childhood and maidenhood, the death and resurrection of heroes in wedding rituals, women’s household duties (аԥҳәысмусхә, ахаҵамусхә) and rights over the past two centuries, the concept of Amazonian women, as well as the traditions of a ‘third gender’ in Abkhaz culture.
The eternal opposition of masculine and feminine principles provides order to human life in every culture. However, the women’s world in traditional culture tends to be more hidden, often mysterious, and less understood compared to the socially visible activities of men. Naturally, gender norms in Abkhaz culture are shaped by historical, religious and even geographical factors, which also influence economic roles.