Sexuality and prostitution among the Akan of the Gold Coast, c. 1650-1950

a little Boy, yet immature for love affairs, makes a feint or representation

of lying with her before all the people both young and old; by which `tis

hinted to her that from this time forwards, she is obliged to receive all

persons indistinguishable who offer themselves to her, not excepting little

boys. Then a little out of the way, a hut is built for her; in which she is

obliged to confine herself for eight or ten days, and lye with every man

who comes thither: After which, she obtains the Honourable name of

Abelecre or Abelecre, signifying a common or public whore; and she has a

dwelling place assigned her near one of her Masters, or in a separated

part of the Village, she being for the remainder of her life obliged to

refuse no man the use of her Body; though he offers never so small a

sum.(11)

Bosman added the qualifying information that the Akan `countries of Commany [Komenda], Elmina, Fetu, Saboe [Asebu], Fantyn [Fante?], etc., have none of these whores'.(12) Bosman's account discusses relations between the young men (mancevos) and the chiefs or elders (caboceroes), two important political constituencies in the Akan omar' (community or polity).(13) The political and economic significance of these public women in such communities will be explored later.

Godot, writing after a visit in 1701, offered a third significant description of the institutionalized role of public women in Assini, to the west of Axim (present-day Ivory Coast). According to him, the king of Assini maintained six young women in every village and town who gave themselves to bachelors. In addition to these six, the French Governor was also obliged, according to his means, to maintain one or two more. These women went through the towns and villages of Assini and did not risk turning anyone away for fear of severe punishment. In order to be distinguished from other women, they wore a piece of white linen around their heads. They lived on the outskirts of the towns and villages, where they welcomed all bachelors. Married men who were caught patronizing them were heavily fined. It was forbidden for these women to demand anything from their male visitors, although they could accept gifts when offered.(14)

These three descriptions have differences, but they share important themes. All emphasize that these women (abrakree or abelcre) were purchased slaves, outsiders who had no choice in their assigned occupation.(15) Their acquisition and prescribed roles were closely defined by the political establishment, and their services were reserved for the bachelors -- a vocal political constituency. Elaborate public ceremonies marked their initiation into their public roles as abrakree or abelcre. And even their token honoraria were beyond their control. Indeed, Godot further mentioned that when they were too old to work, the king of Assini increased their pensions and they were allowed to live the rest of their lives in peace.(16) It is apparent that they were conscripted public servants.