African cultural continuity: a study of masking traditions in the Caribbean

Masks and Masking traditions have been an intricate part of African spiritual beliefs systems and practices on the continent for thousands of years. More particularly, they have played a significant role in maintaining the social order (Ma’at) in many African societies. Given the omnipresence of masks and masking in African social life and culture, this study will thus seek to address the fate experienced by those traditions as millions of Africans were deported to the Americas, in particular the Caribbean. Indeed, the European slave trade was responsible for the deportation of millions of Africans to the Americas, in particular, the Caribbean, this thesis posits that not only did deported Africans retain their culture but they also nurtured it. This research will be conducted through the prism of the Afrocentric paradigm as this will help us move away from the pervasive and profoundly inadequate Eurocentric notion of “African cultural survivals” to approach masking traditions instead as living archives and symbols of African agency and cultural continuity. The Afrocentric paradigm will ensure cultural grounding, as well as to bring a sense of agency to the reader. The research conducted for this study will rely on a qualitative analysis of three primary sources of information, digital, visual, and written. In addition, this thesis will address the question: Given the societal importance of masks on the African continent can they be construed as manifestations of African cultural expression and continuity in the Caribbean? Furthermore, the thesis will propose the concept of “Cultural Rehabilitation Centers” as a viable solution for promoting African cultural agency.