A lesson on Moko Jumbies

This afternoon, we visited a museum in Christiansted. We were greeted by a Caribbean artist named Ms. Palmer, who spoke about Moko Jumbi. Africans, taken by colonizing countries, brought the tradition to the Caribbean. Ms. Palmer told us that Moko means "mock" and Jumbi means "spirit". A Moko Jumbi is a person, man or woman, who covers their whole body in colorful, traditional costumes, masks to cover their faces, and they walk on tall stilts. They cover themselves totally to make sure nobody can recognize them. This helps separate who they really are from the spirit they are portraying. Traditionally, Moko Jumbi were meant to keep the bad spirits away from the village. The colorful clothing, masks to hide their identity, and the stilts that make them seem almost "larger then life" make the Moko Jumbi seem like very powerful and spiritual beings. They are seen as the protectors of the people, filled with wisdom and power. Many men and woman train extensively to become Moko Jumbi. They must practice balancing and dancing on stilts. The better they get, the taller the stilts will be. Now a days, Moka Jumbi are usually seen at festivals and holidays, where many traditional dances are done. They are truly an amazing sight to see. The tradition of Moko Jumbi has died in many Caribbean islands, but it hasn't in St. Croix! The museum held many art works depicting Moko Jumbi by local and non local artists. The artwork was beautiful and so colorful, but Moko Jumbi art is also dying out. Hopefully, the traditions of the Moko Jumbi will be revived because they are truly amazing! We can't wait to see the Moko Jumbi live this week in St. Croix. It will be so awesome!!!! It's been an great day full of learning, sunshine, and fun. Lets hope the rest of this week is as great as today!
-Ashley W.