ABSTRACT
The high value set on fecundity by the Yako is expressed and strengthened in many ways. The fertility cults, particularly those associated with the spirits of the matrilineal clans, emphasise and make explicit the sentiment that children are a blessing and a symbol of prosperity. The most frequent of the minor rituals in a Yako village are supplications at the innumerable shrines of minorspirits on behalf of women who have so far failed to bear thriving children. For every patrilineage there is one or more of these shrines and to some of them offerings are made only for the purpose of securing fertility. Within the patriclan the group sentiment for fertility is fostered, by the desire that fathers should have many sons to succeed them in their compounds and on their farms. Consonant with the emphasis on fertility is the exaction of penalties for abortion.
