In the vibrant heart of the Caribbean, including the sun-kissed shores of the U.S. Virgin Islands, a tradition steeped in African heritage and cultural pride takes center stage. Young visionaries, such as 12-year-old Zara Thomas and her spirited 5-year-old sister, Leah, tower above crowds, embodying the ancient art of stilt-walking known as Moko Jumbies. This January, at the St. Croix Christmas Carnival parade, the sisters, hailing from St. John, showcased their skill, having honed it through diligent weekly practice, aiming to dazzle thousands of onlookers.
For Leah, inspiration sparked upon witnessing her sister’s performance, compelling her to join the ranks of the troupe shortly after celebrating her fifth birthday. The sisters’ journey into the world of Carnival and its celebrations is a legacy handed down by their mother, Naomi Clarke, who once graced the skies as a Moko Jumbie, weaving the fabric of family tradition with threads of cultural continuity.
Zara shares, “Embracing this tradition feels empowering. Despite the fear of falling, mastering balance brings joy and a sense of accomplishment. It’s about overcoming fear to keep a vital tradition alive.”
The term “Moko Jumbie” bridges cultures, drawing from Central African and Creole roots, symbolizing a guardian spirit with the elevation to watch over communities. This art form, carried across oceans by enslaved Africans over two centuries ago, has flourished in the U.S. Virgin Islands, becoming a cornerstone of festival and Carnival celebrations, embodying protection and cultural memory.
Gabrielle Augustin, a native of the U.S. Virgin Islands and a cultural ambassador, reflects on the Moko Jumbie’s significance: “These towering figures in our Carnivals are beacons of our African ancestry, safeguarding the wisdom of generations through the power of oral tradition.”
The troupe, Yisrael’s New Generation, welcomes participants from across the age spectrum, showcasing their talents in the St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas Carnival festivities. The anonymity of masks during performances and practice sessions is essential, allowing performers to fully immerse in the Moko Jumbie’s spirit, seamlessly blending with the vibrant masqueraders without missing a step.
Naomi Clarke, a proud mother, beams with pride at her daughters’ achievements, embodying the spirit of a Moko Jumbie mom: “Identifying my children among the stilt walkers fills me with immense pride. Their dedication to this cultural expression is a testament to the tradition’s vibrancy.”
The Moko Jumbie, while prominent in Carnival, permeates the everyday cultural fabric of the Virgin Islands, with Jumbies encompassing a spectrum from healing to mischief-making spirits. Gabrielle Augustin reminisces about childhood tales of Jumbies, highlighting their dual nature as protectors and tricksters within island lore.
The attire of performers pays tribute to both local and African traditions, often featuring the bright madras print, symbolizing the U.S. Virgin Islands’ cultural identity. Yisrael’s troupe dons outfits crafted from African textiles, honoring the roots of the Moko Jumbie. The U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism Department celebrates this iconic figure, incorporating the vibrant stilt walkers into its branding efforts.
Joseph Boschulte, U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism commissioner, underscores the Moko Jumbie’s enduring legacy: “For over two centuries, it has symbolized our culture’s resilience, spirituality, and enduring strength, capturing the hearts of both young learners and newcomers eager to partake in this rich tradition.”
The U.S. Virgin Islands’ rich tapestry of culture shines brightly, with the Moko Jumbie tradition thriving through passionate bearers like Zara and Leah, ensuring its vibrant legacy endures, echoing the rhythms of African ancestry and Caribbean vitality for generations to come.