Channeling Knowledges: Water and Afro-Diasporic Spirits in Latinx and Caribbean Worlds

Water is a place of connection for Caribbean and Latinx writers, who use it to reconnect to their pasts, presents, and futures. Afro-diasporic religions see water as a place of connection, where spiritual entities and ancestors reside, and knowledge awaits. Channeling Knowledges explores how Latinx and Caribbean cultural production draws on systems of Afro-diasporic worship to channel the power of water, both salty and sweet, in sustaining connections between past, present, and not-yet-imagined futures.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2023
Publisher: University of Texas Press

Water, a versatile and essential element, holds the power to bridge divides and reconnect individuals to their past, present, and future. In the context of the Caribbean and Latinx communities, water takes on a profound significance as a catalyst for cultural identity and heritage.

Historically, water has been used as a tool to impose geopolitical borders, dividing communities and creating barriers between nations. The construction of the Rio Grande/Río Bravo on the US-Mexico border, for instance, serves as a stark reminder of this divisive practice. Similarly, the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean are used to delineate the boundaries of US territory, further perpetuating divisions.

However, Afro-diasporic religions offer a different perspective on water. They perceive it as a place of connection, where spiritual entities and ancestors reside, and where knowledge awaits. These religions view water as a source of unity and harmony, fostering a sense of belonging and continuity across generations.

In the realm of Latinx and Caribbean cultural production, water takes on a central role. Latinx and Caribbean creators, such as Mayra Santos-Febres, Rita Indiana, Gloria Evangelina Anzaldúa, and the Border of Lights collective, harness the power of water to channel connections between past, present, and not-yet-imagined futures. Through their interdisciplinary work, they explore the depth and breadth of water in these communities, drawing on systems of Afro-diasporic worship such as Haitian Vodou, La 21 División (Dominican Vodou), and Santería/Regla de Ocha.

Rebeca L. Hey-Colóns' interdisciplinary study, "Channeling Knowledges: Fathoms of Water in the Work of Latinx and Caribbean Creators," delves into the ways in which Latinx and Caribbean cultural production draws on these Afro-diasporic systems of worship to channel the power of water, both salty and sweet. By combining methodologies from literary studies, anthropology, history, and religious studies, Hey-Colóns uncovers the intricate ways in which Latinx and Caribbean creators utilize water to sustain connections between their past, present, and not-yet-imagined futures.

Through their artistic and cultural expressions, Latinx and Caribbean writers and artists reclaim the significance of water as a tool for connection and unity. They celebrate the diverse histories and traditions that are intertwined with water, using it as a means to bridge gaps and foster a sense of belonging across generations. Water becomes a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and the ability to transcend boundaries, allowing individuals to reconnect with their roots and embrace their diverse identities.

In conclusion, water holds a unique power to enable Caribbean and Latinx writers to reconnect to their past, present, and future. By embracing the Afro-diasporic perspective on water as a place of connection and knowledge, Latinx and Caribbean creators utilize water as a catalyst for cultural identity, heritage, and resilience. Through their interdisciplinary work, they channel the power of water to bridge divides, foster connections, and envision a brighter future for their communities.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781477327258