The Root of Crop Over
The Crop Over Festival is a staple in Barbados, an opportunity for cultural expression in every way. From the music to the Bridgetown Market to the final curtain closing on Grand Kadooment day, this summer festival has become deeply entrenched in our culture. But have we lost hold of the true meaning of the Crop Over festival? Have we forgotten where it all began? This article seeks to answers these questions while giving you just a taste of Crop Overs past.
This little light of mine!
Barbados is home to four lighthouses, which today serve as some of our most eye-catching landmarks. Follow me on a journey from the North to the South, as I give you a glimpse into the history of each one and some insight into the life of a lighthouse labourer.
The Importance of Chattel Houses Part 2: Advancement and Culture
Folk culture is often deemed lesser by the ruling class due to the power imbalance between them and the poor (in this case the white supremacy of colonialism). George Revill explains that folk culture, rather than this simple thing, is actually a system of local cultural reworkings, as individuals and social groups creatively make sense of the circumstances in which they live. Chattel houses serve as the physical embodiment of these reworkings, reflecting both the cultural experiences of the people as well as their environmental circumstances.
Noel, Vernelle. Barbados Chattel House. Photograph. Flickr. June 11, 2011. https://www.flickr.com/photos/thinkinginsomniac/5907200631/in/photolist-9ZZWWK-JVVFmV-cELTJ-edA1uJ-bNHeL6-boXJLB-4SY5xR-sw9ZS-4T3hib-6rqvW8-5gi3g-mUzLra-4SY3G2-8wQ4an-XMWZ-47fpZK
The Standpipe: A Staple in Bajan Society (A Series)
As the inspiration behind the name for this online platform, it was only fitting that we discuss one of the integral elements in Barbadian, and Caribbean, heritage: the standpipe. The standpipe can be dated to as early as 1861, when steps were made to distribute water to the public on a widespread and economical basis. They functioned in practical uses: for washing and bathing as well as became the centre for social activity in the community. We invite you to take a trip down memory lane as we attempt to touch on the contributions of standpipes to Barbadian history.
Image: Griffith-Cole, Eric. A Standpipe. Photograph. The Standpipe. January 31, 2022.
The Importance of Chattel Houses Part 1: Design and Construction
Folk culture is often deemed lesser by the ruling class due to the power imbalance between them and the poor (in this case the white supremacy of colonialism). George Revill explains that folk culture, rather than this simple thing, is actually a system of local cultural reworkings, as individuals and social groups creatively make sense of the circumstances in which they live. Chattel houses serve as the physical embodiment of these reworkings, reflecting both the cultural experiences of the people as well as their environmental circumstances.
Image: Noel, Vernelle. Barbados Chattel House. Photograph. Flickr. June 10, 2011. https://www.flickr.com/photos/thinkinginsomniac/5907750908/in/photolist-a13Lwh-JHG846-EjhRv-61k7Km-4bSY1Y-8tEugw-qCbQB9-qURg2y-7niitk-a3u6Q-HTuFxq-qUBmdH-edA2a5-3zWMTL-kdefi4-e3oVBt-kdeMfc-6ebZJE-QpfXmm-7Qy5A1-3zWQ3J-6VjHgi-BtvFZ-7U4MH7-KeXPR-kdehrH-34cbhA-347B16-f6ZpPD-8Hzrzr-qStiAG-czUrfJ-KT4vN-kdeNnx-kdgvou-CgJRy-98kFMH-kdgunm-S5H4-kdekgv-4zL6HD-qUVN2e-8NSa8t-dXv4by-b5QAur-iJ3k2w-7QDyN9-9mSZ4g-xDG7fK-67KXag
Gender and Celebration
The discussion of Caribbean celebrations cannot be wholly understood without the study of gender and its various forms of expression throughout the society. It is true gender in itself is as closely interwoven into the Caribbean experience as much as any other aspect, and as such there are a variety of ways it has shaped the society we live in and by extension the festivals we celebrate.
Image: Holetown Festival. Photograph. Holiday House Villas and Suites. (n.d.) https://holidayhousevillasandsuitesbarbados.com/festivals-and-events/