Eboe, Equiano's district (now known as Igboland), had well established rules and laws of governing. Their system of marriage and law were strictly enforced. His father—an elder in the district—was in charge of punishing criminals and resolving issues of conflict within the society. Within the district, women were held to higher standards than men. Marriage was seen as extremely important. The bride's family was responsible for providing gifts for the family of the husband, and the wife was "owned by her husband".