They are descendants of escaped African slaves who fled plantations in the 17th and 18th centuries and established autonomous communities in the jungle.
Key characteristics: History: Originated from resistance to slavery; treaties with colonial powers (e.g., the Peace of 1760) granted autonomy.
Language and spirituality: Preservation of African languages (such as Sranantongo variants) and religions (Winti, with ancestor worship).
Music and dance: Rhythmic kaseko music, dances such as awasa and songo, often performed during celebrations and rituals.
Way of life: Sustainable agriculture, hunting, and fishing; matriarchal structures and oral traditions.
Contemporary importance: UNESCO heritage (e.g., Saamaka oral traditions); A symbol of resistance and cultural diversity in Suriname.
This culture blends African roots with indigenous and colonial influences and remains a source of identity and pride.
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