"All the wives, who seldom exceed twenty, (except amongst the princes) till the ground, sow maize, and plant yams, except two, or sometimes one. The first or principal wife (so called) has the care of the family, and is exempt from labour. The second, who is privileged, is called on the gold coast the bossam, because she is consecrated to their deity. The husband is always more jealous of these favourites, who are generally handsome and beautiful. The first wife has also the keeping of her husband's money, and in some parts the husband must obtain her consent, or conciliate her by a present, before he can take another. There is much emulation among the wives, each practising all her charms to secure the preference of her husband's love; yet it does not appear that this competition disturbs the harmony that usually prevails amongst them."