Exploring the history of the Dutch slave community and free African Americans in New Amsterdam and beyond, this work offers a fresh perspective on the Pinkster celebration, traditionally seen as a carnival. Jeroen Dewulf argues it embodies mutual aid and slave brotherhood, linking it to royal election rituals in other slave societies and the ancient Kingdom of Kongo. By emphasizing the social capital of slaves and their interactions with Portuguese culture, the book reshapes our understanding of African American identity's development in the region. It has received several prestigious awards for its contributions to African studies.
"This book presents a provocatively new interpretation of one of New Orleans's most enigmatic traditions--the Mardi Gras Indians. By interpreting the tradition in an Atlantic context, Dewulf traces the 'black Indians' back to the ancient Kingdom of Kongo and its war dance known as sangamento. He shows that good warriors in the Kongo kingdom were per definition also good dancers, masters of a technique of dodging, spinning, and leaping that was crucial in local warfare. Enslaved Kongolese brought the rhythm, dancing moves, and feathered headwear of sangamentos to the Americas in performances that came to be known as 'Kongo dances.' By comparing Kongo dances on the African island of São Tomé with those in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Louisiana, Dewulf demonstrates that the dances in New Orleans's Congo Square were part of a much broader Kongolese performance tradition. He links that to Afro-Catholic mutual-aid societies that honored their elected community leaders or 'kings' with Kongo dances. While the public rituals of these brotherhoods originally thrived in the context of Catholic procession culture around Epiphany and Corpus Christi, they transitioned to carnival as a result of growing orthodoxy within the Church. Dewulf's groundbreaking research suggests a much greater impact of Kongolese traditions and of popular Catholicism on the development of African American cultural heritage and identity. His conclusions force us to radically rethink the traditional narrative on the Mardi Gras Indians, the kings of Zulu, and the origins of black participation in Mardi Gras celebrations"--Provided by publisher
Dutch Clandestine Literature During the Nazi Occupation
300 stránek
11 hodin čtení
Exploring the unique phenomenon of Dutch clandestine literature during the Nazi occupation, this book provides a comprehensive narrative of its remarkable growth. It delves into the motivations behind the creation and distribution of these works, highlighting the resilience of writers and the impact of their efforts on Dutch culture and resistance. Through detailed accounts, it sheds light on the significance of these texts in preserving freedom of expression during a time of repression.
Focusing on the seventeenth century, the book explores the significant role of African Catholics in shaping Black Christianity in America. It delves into their contributions and the broader historical context, highlighting how their faith and practices influenced the development of religious identity among African American communities. Through this examination, it sheds light on the intersection of culture, religion, and history during a pivotal era.
Die aktuelle Frage, wie sich Schweizer Identität in einer multikulturellen Umgebung definieren lässt, hat eine Geschichte und ein brasilianisches Kapitel. Jeroen Dewulf erzählt von den Erfahrungen Schweizer Auswanderer, Reisenden und Heimkehrer aus dem 19. und 20. Jahrhundert und relativiert gängige Vorstellungen.
Hugo Loetscher: Weltreisender, Verfasser essayistischer Prosa, Lyriker, Vollblutepiker und Citoyen hochkarätige Beiträge illustrieren die verschiedenen Facetten von Person und Werk.
