In Caribbean history; the European colonial plantocracy created a cultural diaspora in which African slaves were torn from their ancestral homeland. In order to maintain vital links to their traditions and culture; slaves retained certain customs and nurtured them in the Caribbean. The creation of lace-bark cloth from the lagetta tree was a practice that enabled slave women to fashion their own clothing; an exercise that was both a necessity; as clothing provisions for slaves were poor; and empowering; as it allowed women who participated in the industry to achieve some financial independence.This is the first book on the subject and; through close collaboration with experts in the field including Maroon descendants; scientists and conservationists; it offers a pioneering perspective on the material culture of Caribbean slaves; bringing into focus the dynamics of race; class and gender. Focussing on the time period from the 1660s to the 1920s; it examines how the industry developed; the types of clothes made; and the people who wore them. The study asks crucial questions about the social roles that bark cloth production played in the plantation economy and colonial society; and in particular explores the relationship between bark cloth production and identity amongst slave women.
#827683 in Books 2017-01-16Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.50 x .75 x 6.25l; .0 #File Name: 146962818X440 pages
Review
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. I would like to provide a more detailed review of this outstanding ...By Thomas A. NibbeDr. Gideon Mailer; an acquaintance of mine; has done a masterful job on John Witherspoon's life and contribution to our nation. I would like toprovide a more detailed review of this outstanding book at a later time; when I am free to do so.
