I did not without reason regard the grave gifts of men as products of exchange contacts and those of women as gifts from menfolk.
On the other hand, the status of these women was enhanced by the absence of their menfolk.
Women entered war service for various reasons, including those traditionally proffered - patriotism, devotion to menfolk.
They made their own representation to minor government o-cials when necessary, and regularly represented the family in the absence of their menfolk.
Women could attain greater control over their own lives and power in their households and communities if their menfolk were absent.
Cake, but no singing, in the menfolk's absence (and presumed or feigned ignorance) was a reasoned and negotiated compromise.
Vickery touches upon this status ambivalence for the menfolk of these women, but perhaps insufficiently to anchor her revision of female inclusion in a wholly coherent cultural landscape.
Those who had menfolk ' in business ', or who had social or political aspirations themselves (or whose families did), worked to achieve the right blend of society and politics.
