Honduras' enduring African culture

11:06 AM on 12/27/2011

READ MORE: African Culture, Garifuna, Honduras, Roatan, South America, Travel

Young Barack Galiez sits in front of his home on the south side of the Bay Island, Roatan, Honduras. (Photo by Wanjira Banfield, 12/2011)

To travel to Honduras is to walk into the richness of Africa.

There is a saying by the Kikuyu people of Kenya: " Indo ni kurimithanio" -- which means, "riches are found in cultivating together." In the ennobling land of Roatan, Honduras, this African expression of harmony, solidarity and traditional growth survives among the unique perennial landscape, and radiates from the cultural lifestyle of the people.

The significance of African culture in Honduras dates back to the 16th century. The fusion of African migrants, the indigenous Indians and the nearby Caribbean influence, birthed the Afro-Honduran people -- also known as "Garifuna" or "Black Caribs." The aesthetic remnants of their African heritage is identified in the locking of the hair, the "meztico" or "mixed" languages, the donning of cowry shells, the masked 'Mascaro' dances, the colorful and flowing whimsical garbs and ancestral drumming, the creation of natural musical instruments, the vivacious art, the respect for the land and the solidarity among one other.

There's no doubt that the drumbeat of the land are blissfully mimicked by the hearts of the Afro-Honduran people.

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Two women of the Garifuna people embrace, demonstrating solidarity and community. Roatan, Honduras. (Photo by Wanjira Banfield, 12/2011)
Young Barack Galiez sits in front of his home on the south side of the Bay Island, Honduras. (Photo by Wanjira Banfield, 12/2011)
Horizon of the Bay Islands on the coast of Roatan, Honduras. (Photo by Wanjira Banfield, 12/2011)
Traditionally dressed Elder contributes to the musical homage to the island. Bay Island, Honduras. (Photo by Wanjira Banfield, 12/2011)
Cultural "Mascaro" dancer representing the exuberant boldness of the ancestral warrior garb of the Garifuna people. Roatan, Honduras. (Photo by Wanjira Banfield, 12/2011)
Garifuna dancer performing the traditional dance called "Punta," which accentuates the movement of the hips and waist. (Photo by Wanjira Banfield, 12/2011)
Afro-Honduran woman performing the traditional dance of the Garifuna people. (Photo by Wanjira Banfield, 12/2011)
Local drummers of the Garifuna people, similar to those of the West African drumming culture, feed the rhythm for the dancers. (Photo by Wanjira Banfield, 12/2011)
Roatan-born Artist M.Gaiden created this piece to symbolize a younger generation embracing the traditional cultures of Honduras. (Photo by Wanjira Banfield, 12/2011)
Powerful piece by Roatan-born Artist M.Gaiden captures the bold complexities that make up the Afro-Honduran heritage. (Photo by Wanjira Banfield, 12/2011)

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