What is kumina dance?

Kumina is an Afro-JamaicanJamaicanThe vast majority of Jamaicans are of Sub-Saharan African descent, with minorities of Europeans, East Indians, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and others of mixed ancestry.

What is the meaning for Kumina?

Proper noun. Kumina. An Afro-Jamaican religion involving music, dancing, and the practice of bringing down spirits of the dead to briefly inhabit the bodies of the faithful and share ancestral wisdom.

When and why is the Kumina performed?

It is generally performed in the parish of St. Thomas to celebrate special events such as engagements and weddings. The three most important elements in a Kumina session are dancing, singing and drumming. The drums are believed to be the most important because of the control they have over the spirits.

Where is Kumina dance from?

West Africa

The single most popular and traditional dance is the “Kumina,” which originated in West Africa. This style of dance is predominantly found in the parishes of St. Thomas and St. Mary and is otherwise known as “Kalunga” or “Kaduunga.”

What are the two types of Kumina?

Singing is a critical part of Kumina ceremonies and is divided into two types, Bailo and Country.

Where is Kumina practiced?

Kumina is religious ritual that was brought to Jamaica by inhabitants of Congo in Africa between 1840 and 1860. Kumina practitioners settled in the parishes where the ritual is most popular today, St. Thomas, St. Mary, St Catherine and Kingston.

What parish is best known for Kumina?

Kumina, also known as Kalunga or Kaduunga, is a Kongo-based religion primarily found in the Parish of St. Thomas in the eastern part of Jamaica.

What is the leader of Kumina called?

Nyasha Laing. Imogene “Queenie” Kennedy was Jamaica’s Kumina queen, a contemporary priestess & healer. She catapulted her African spiritual practice into popular culture and international notoriety. But colonial myths around ancestral practices remain today.

When was Kumina established?

Kumina is a religion centered in Jamaica’s southeastern parish, St. Thomas. Its presence was first noted only in the 1950s, but it was likely formulated by West Central African indentured laborers introduced by the British colonial government and British plantation owners between 1845 and 1865.

How does Kumina dress?



KUMINA (Chor. Rex Nettleford, 1971)

What is the leader of Kumina called?

Nyasha Laing. Imogene “Queenie” Kennedy was Jamaica’s Kumina queen, a contemporary priestess & healer. She catapulted her African spiritual practice into popular culture and international notoriety. But colonial myths around ancestral practices remain today.

What happens in a Kumina ceremony?

The practices of Kumina are primarily linked to healing. Healing ceremonies utilise singing, dancing, drumming, animal sacrifice, and spirit possession, with the intent of summoning spirits to heal the sick individual.

Is Kumina a Jamaican dance?

Kumina or Cumina



Kumina is the most African of Jamaican cults. Kumina ceremonies are usually associated with wakes and entombments, but can also be performed at births, anniversaries and thanksgivings. During a Kumina ceremony the exponents call upon their ancestral spirits.

How does Kumina dress?



Kumina has spread all over Jamaica, its Jamaica’s traditional dance and it has become famous to Jamaicans. This will be Jamaica’s ancestral dance even if they do their rituals. The Jamaicans would have their own type of clothing. The Women would wear Turbans on their heads and the Men would sometimes wear Turbans.

Who is the queen of Kumina?

Queen Imogene “Queenie” Kennedy

Imogene “Queenie” Kennedy was a contemporary priestess in post-colonial Jamaica who catapulted her African spiritual practice into renown.

Which drum is used in Kumina?

kbandu



Drums dominate Kumina ceremonies of all types. There are usually two kbandu (male drums) and two playing cyas at large ceremonies. These drums may be made from kegs, hollowed coconuts, breadfruit or cedar logs, or from a length of the hollow trumpet tree trunk.