Traditional Religious Practices amongst African-Caribbean Mothers and Community Othermothers

Abstract

African women in the diaspora have been described as not only the essential bearers of tradition but also the ‘principal exponents’ and protectors of traditional African-derived religion. In their book Lionheart Gal, the Sistren Theatre Collective argues that tales of Nanny of the Maroons bouncing bullets off her bottom might indeed be a description of something that literally took place. It may on the other hand be referring to a greater truth such as the power of the female body to bring forth life and to protect her family and community from destruction. Not only was Nanny an exceptional woman, but her power was also underpinned by material and cultural factors. Culturally she drew on the tradition of the Ashanti Queen-Mother and materially on the control which African women had over agriculture in Maroon society.