Surviving the Americas - Garifuna Persistence from Nicaragua to New York City

The Garifuna are a Central American, Afro-Indigenous people descended from shipwrecked West Africans and local Indigenous groups on St. Vincent. This ethnography illustrates their unique social issues and how their culture, traditions, and reverence for their ancestors persist.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2021
Publisher: University of Cincinnati Press

The Garifuna, a vibrant and diverse Afro-Indigenous community, trace their origins back to the aftermath of a shipwreck on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent. Over the course of two centuries, they have endured a tragic history of oppression, exile, and a persistent diaspora that has extended their communities to Honduras, Belize, and beyond. Despite the hardships they have faced, there has been limited attention paid to the experiences of the Garifuna in Nicaragua, a community of approximately 5,000 individuals primarily residing on the Caribbean coast of the country. In their groundbreaking book, Surviving the Americas, Serena Cosgrove, José Idiáquez, Leonard Joseph Bent, and Andrew Gorvetzian offer a profound exploration of what it means to be a Garifuna in the modern world, with a specific focus on their presence in Nicaragua. Their extensive fieldwork, spanning over nine months, has yielded an ethnography that vividly portrays the unique social challenges faced by the Nicaraguan Garifuna and showcases the enduring strength and resilience of their culture, traditions, and deep reverence for their ancestors.

The Garifuna community in Nicaragua is a testament to the enduring spirit of resilience and cultural preservation. Despite the challenges they have faced throughout history, including forced migration, discrimination, and marginalization, the Garifuna have managed to maintain their distinct identity and traditions. One of the key aspects of their culture is their language, which is a blend of West African and indigenous languages. The Garifuna language, known as Garifuna, is spoken by the community and is essential for preserving their cultural heritage and maintaining their sense of community.

In addition to their language, the Garifuna also have a rich musical tradition. They use a variety of instruments, including drums, maracas, and guitar, to create music that is both lively and expressive. Music plays a central role. In Garifuna celebrations and rituals, and is used to communicate important messages and values to the community.

Another important aspect of Garifuna culture is their traditional medicine. They rely on a blend of herbal remedies, spiritual practices, and traditional healing methods to maintain their health and well-being. Many Garifuna believe in the power of their ancestors and use traditional rituals and ceremonies to honor and connect with them.

Despite the challenges they have faced, the Garifuna community in Nicaragua remains strong and vibrant. They continue to celebrate their culture and traditions, and their presence in the country is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Afro-Indigenous communities. The Garifuna have also played an important role in the cultural and political life of Nicaragua, advocating for their rights and promoting social justice.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the Garifuna community and their history. This has led to increased recognition of their rights and the development of programs to support their cultural preservation and development. The Garifuna Heritage Foundation, for example, is a non-profit organization that works to promote the Garifuna culture and preserve their heritage through education, advocacy, and community development.

In conclusion, the Garifuna community in Nicaragua is a unique and fascinating example of the resilience and cultural preservation of Afro-Indigenous communities. Their history, language, music, traditional medicine, and strong sense of community are essential aspects of their identity and continue to shape their lives today. Despite the challenges they have faced, the Garifuna have managed to maintain their culture and traditions, and their presence in the country is a testament to the power of cultural heritage and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

Weight: 338g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781947602113