Description
Mother Right (1861) by Johann Jakob Bachofen (1815-1887) was the seminal document of the nineteenth century concerning the role of women in ancient societies. The title and term “mother right” requires explanation because its sense is not evident in English. The meaning of “mother” as the one who bears life, then cares for her child with selfless love, devotion, and sacrifice clearly imparts Bachofens point of departure. In this sense, Mother Right is a celebration of motherhood as the origin of human society, religion, morality, and decency. The term right in English does not sufficiently convey the various meanings of the German term. Bachofen means at once maternal rights, birthrights, justice, laws, interests, authority, and privileges. He explores all these aspects of mother right in ancient societies, specifically Lycia, Crete, Ancient Greece, Egypt, India, Central Asia, Northern Africa, and Spain. He concludes his work by connecting ancient mother right with Christianity.
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