Africans in Panama - A different beginning

**Anayansi** · 11-09-2010

I just wanted to share with you a history of your African brothers in Panama. It is a totally different story, with free Africans setting up their communities practically from the get-go. Able to preserve their traditions while taking in some elements from the Spanish culture. Making some words in the local culture, that refer to black women, a synonym of curvaceous beauty, such as "morena", "mulata", "canela", "culisa".

In Panama, unlike in the US, Blacks are considered the most hard working folks.

Panama also has an extensive history of slave rebellions going back to the 16th century. Slaves were brought to the isthmus from many regions in Africa now in modern day countries like the Congo, Senegal, Guinea, and Mozambique. Immediately before their arrival on shore, or very soon after, many enslaved Africans revolted against their captors, or participated in mass maroonage, or desertion. The freed Africans founded communities in the forests and mountains, organized guerrilla bands known as Cimarrones, and began a long guerrilla war against the Spanish Conquistadores, sometimes in conjunction with nearby indigenous communities like the Kuna and the Guaymí. Despite massacres by the Spanish, the rebels fought until the Spanish crown was forced to concede to treaties that granted the Africans a life without Spanish violence and incursions. The leaders of the guerrilla revolts included Felipillo, Bayano, Juan de Dioso, Domingo Congo, Antón Mandinga, and Luis de Mozambique.

After centuries, the traditions of the African communities are preserved, and they have kept their African "queen", which is like a wise mother of the community that embodies tradition. Centuries ago, these African kingdoms were recognized by the Spanish Crown, so they have their own "crown" that is part of the costume of the African Queen.

A souvenir doll, that represents an important part of our folklore.