According to Greek mythology, the Amazons were a race of warrior women who refused to live with men. So far, so sensible. In order to continue their survival, once a year the Amazons would visit the neighbouring tribe, the Gargareans, to have sex with the male inhabitants.
For most of us, the phrase ‘matriarchal society’ conjures images akin to the mythical sperm stealing, spear snapping, man-walloping world of the Amazons. But, anthropologists are keen to stress that matriarchy is not the opposite of patriarchy. It does not mean a world where women rule over men."When women are in the driving seat, everyone lives a better life - and of course the sex is much, much better"
According to Greek mythology, Amazons were a tribe of women who hunted and waged war. Photo: via Alamy
Matrilineal society of Meghalaya in Shillong, India. Photo: via Getty
The Mosuo tribe in China, which is famously known as the 'Kingdom of Women'. Photo: via Alamy
India's Khasi community. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
The women from the town of Noiva do Cordeiro. Photo: Courtesy of Noiva do Cordeiro
The Alapine Village residents. Photo: Courtesy of The Alapine Village