Orango is one of the Bijagós Islands, located 60 kilometres (30 nautical miles)[2] off the coast of mainland Guinea-Bissau.

[5] Orango's inhabitants developed a number of distinct matrimonial traditions which are unique with respect to the role played by women.

[6] Marriage is formally proposed by women — their choice of spouse is made public to the groom-to-be and the rest of the community by an offer of a dish of specially prepared fish, marinated in red palm oil.

The marriage becomes official months later, after the bride-to-be, with no help from the groom, builds the couple a new home out of driftwood, blond grass, and mud bricks.

Men and women have adopted religious practices introduced by Protestant missionaries, which have also reduced the influences of the island's matrimonial traditions.