Empirical Study of Loincloth Typology in Custom-based Marriage in Congo-Brazzaville and Socioeconomic Implications

Abstract

Traditional or custom-based marriage is a rejoicing moment that links two families: the paternal and maternal sides of the husband, along with the paternal and maternal sides of the wife. However, the husband-to-be must go through several expenses - in kind and cash – to face a set of lists he is handed over by the paternal and maternal sides of the wife-to-be. Those lists include first-stage preliminary requisites, second-stage marriage requisites, and the dowry requisites. The latter is the most expensive one, despite recommendations from the provisions of the Congolese code of family that sets fifty thousand CFA for the dowry. Such a list clearly indicates the number of loincloths, branded Super Wax, a high-quality and very expensive loincloth. It represents a relatively insuperable obstacle for the husband-to-be. This paper proposes a typology of loincloths from the main components analysis and hierarchical ascending classification applied to a data table crossing twenty-three loincloths and five criteria. It results, from this typology, six scenarios that have socioeconomic implications proposed from the category of prime quality loincloths.