SIUe Suriname Field Study 2013

We are a group of Theatre and Anthropology students who are traveling to Suriname, South America May 31-July 8, 2013. We will study the culture, performance, explore the meanings of culture identity and various health practices of this beautiful, multi-ethnic country. On this blog, we hope to share every event, excursion, performance, thought, picture or any other thing with the world. Feel free to follow our journey and share!

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Jaw Jaw

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This a plantation coffee and cocoa factory, touching to finally have first hand contact with this instead of through books

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Recie's introduction

Hello all, I am entering my senior year at SIUE studying History and Anthropology. I am here in Suriname with great group of people and I am glad to be here.

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Got pretty henna done on Keti Koti! There were so many festivities going on that day! Celebrating 150 of no slavery in Suriname!

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Last week we were invited to attend a Winti Prey, which is a traditional Afro-Surinamese religious ceremony. It began with just singing and drumming, but completely changed when these four “spiritual leaders" came out. They were dressed completely in white, and all of their skin was also painted in a thick coat of white. During this ceremony, these people go into a trance-like state where they connect to the spiritual world. Unfortunately we could not stay for the entire ceremony, but from what we saw, I can only describe it in one way: hauntingly captivating.

-Alex

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Today, July 1st, is Keti Koti, the 150th anniversary of the freedom of slaves in Suriname. Festivities began late last night and started up again early in the morning. We began our Keti Koti experience with a program put on by NAKS, an Afro-Surinamese cultural organization here in Suriname. It was really fantastic, especially since the theater students and professor in our group gave a performance. I’m sure it was an amazing experience for them! After the NAKS presentations were over, we all went to explore the countless tents and booths set up, selling anything from food (bami, nasi, cassava, sweet treats and much more), to traditional garments, jewelry, and blow up carnival toys. Live performances, a parade, and other events go on all day long, and even late into the night. One of the great things about this holiday is the diversity of people celebrating. You have Afro-Surinamese, Amerindians, Javanese, Hindustani, and both European and American tourists all out in action today. We are all so lucky to be able to experience this special 150 jaar Keti Koti!

-Alex

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Absolutely one of the greatest things I have ever experienced and seen. A real waterfall! Oh, it felt so nice! So nice, I started singing Disney songs. We went on the Brownsburg excursion which started with an earthquake of a bis ride filled with unpaved roads, an hour long hike, and finally the waterfall. One more week left! Had to save the best excursion for last!

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In rehearsal for Keti Koti on July 1st! Celebrating 150 years since the end of slavery in Suriname!

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Gorgeous view on the way back from Kalabaskreek. The village was gorgeous, full of bamboo and other greenery. The kids were willing to learn and play with us. A wholesome experience indeed at the Amerindian village. -Jenn

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A tree that reminded me of The Lion King, I had to remind myself that we were in Suriname. The air was so fresh and everything looked so full of life. Our time in Jaw Jaw was one that I will always remember. The children were so bright and the people were accommodating. Not to mention the gorgeous river outside of where we were staying. Laying on the rocks and watching the Maroons interact with one another was interesting and a nice difference from the American way of life. -Jenn

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It's cocoa!! Pure cocoa. Pretty yummy. #instadaily #instatravel #igers #igdaily #travel #cocoa #suriname #commewijne #southamerica #instafood #foodie

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This is the river that runs through the beautiful village of Jaw-Jaw (pronounced yow yow) in the interior of Suriname. -SarahG.

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The apinti, or "messenger", drum is used in the Winti religion to communicate with the spirits. This tradition is seen less as a performing art, and more as an important religious practice.

-Courtney

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On Wednesday we returned to the city from a stay in Jaw Jaw. Jaw Jaw (pronounced Yaw Yaw), is located in the interior situated along a river. We took a ~two hour long bus ride followed by 30-45 minute boat ride to get to the small village. While we were there, we did English lessons/games with the children at the village school, swam in the river, trekked through the jungle, and went caiman hunting at night. The air was so much more clean and refreshing than the city, the temperatures were cooler, and those few days were very relaxing.

We did have some encounters with the local wildlife, primarily with large, tennis ball sized spiders. Bats, lizards, and birds were also frequent sights near our rooms.

Despite some of the members aversion to the creepy critters, I think it’s fair to say we all had a remarkable time in Jaw Jaw. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience!

-Alex

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A little peak into how hard it rains in Suriname. We are in the wet season now, so almost everyday, especially around 1-2 pm, we get torrential downpours that often leave some parts of the streets flooded and nearly impassable. Sometimes we do welcome the rain. Like today, it was incredibly hot, so this quick 10 minute shower was a nice relief from the heat. -Alex

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Our new home! On June 10th, we moved from Asewa O'tono to Albergo Alberga. What a mighty move it was! It is downtown, which is closer to more shops, food places, the buses, and it also has...wait for it...WIFI! -Sarah G.

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On Sunday, our group went on a bus/walking tour of Commewijne, which included plantation tours, an old rum factory tour, and a tour of Nieuwe Amsterdam (New Amsterdam). Although it was hot, and part if the group wasn’t feeling well, we learned a lot and had a great time. The top 3 photos are from Marienburg, the old rum area. The bottom picture is from Fort New Amsterdam, and is the spot where the Suriname and Commewijne rivers meet. It was exciting to learn about the history and see buildings and artifacts that matched the stories. It was a long tour, but very rewarding in the end! -Alex