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Throughout the Diaspora, historically the tradition of masquerades have been a source of much healing, reverence and celebration of our connection to Earth, ancestors and the higher dieties who guide us. Among the traditions is “Chakaba”, the Zambian name for masquerades thats danced on stilts. It is known by different names in different regions such as “Moko Jumbie” (pictured left) in Trinidad, “Jacaba” in Guinea and “Agere” (pictured right) in Nigeria.
Stilts symbolise the connection to spirit and the foresight to see what has come before us, as well as what we now face. They also symbolise maintaining balance and harmony in life. Stilt Walkers operate as spiritual police in the community and in some societies are even considered healers. Just like the Chakaba, we must learn to make decisions in a way that brings integration and balance to our lives.
3 Comments-
They used to have stick walking in Barbados.
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Why did this tradition in Barbados stop Derrick?
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Many of our Afro-Barbadian youth aren’t taught to hold onto cultural traditions. Thanks to us being Americanize and the urge to want to twerk. However our national Cultural foundations still do seminars on it and occassionally we will have it.
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