The history of the Montserrat Jumbie dance and Masquerade featured prominently at University of the West Indies 25th Annual Eastern Caribbean Island Cultures Conference on the Languages, Literatures and Cultures.
The November 5 to November 7 in Kingstown, St. Vincent, was attended by Dr. Clarice Barnes.
The Conference brings together scholars and researchers to explore the languages, literatures, histories and cultural identities of the Eastern and Greater Caribbean.
Researcher and historian Dr Clarice Barnes presented a well received paper on the Montserrat Jumbie Dance and Masquerade.
In her book she describes the colourful, cunning, mysterious displays of the Montserrat Masquerade and masked characters such as the Moko Jumbie, Miss Goosie and Bull known in Christmas and New Year festivities.
The defunct mystical Jumbie Dance trance ritual performed for communicating with ancestors is also explored.
Rooted deeply in African spirituality and masking heritage, masquerade and Jumbie Dance traditions have been passed down over the generations.
The three-day programme featured scholarly presentations and discussions on themes relevant to Caribbean scholarship and contemporary regional life.
These include Caribbean languages and identity; literature, storytelling and cultural memory; music, performance and the arts; education, literacy and language policy; Indigenous histories; colonial legacies and resistance; and culture and community development.
Sessions will also explore emerging issues in education, communication and digital innovation.