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The Ortanique is unique to Jamaica and was propagated in the parish of Manchester. |
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With 450 years of cultural intermingling, there’s always something new – and old – to taste, to hear and do. Magical fables, stately estates, honoured traditions and natural charm…let us share our Jamaica with you. |
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 Hidden deep in Jamaica’s most mountainous regions is a handful of towns that make up a partially autonomous nation with its own history, traditions, laws and lands. This nation within our small nation belongs to the Maroons; a group of people who, centuries ago, chose to defy the mighty British and to reject the cruel institution of slavery.
The word Maroon is said to be derived from the Spanish word, “cimarron” meaning wild. It was used to describe a group of slaves, liberated by Spanish settlers in 1655, who fled to Jamaica’s hilly interior. Joined by escaped slaves from British plantations, their numbers swelled and over time, they split into two main groups, occupying the eastern and western sections of the island. The Windward Maroons settled in the misty Blue Mountains, while the Leeward Maroons concentrated in the untamed Cockpit Country.
For almost a century, these two bands of warriors consistently challenged Jamaica’s colonizers. Skilled fighters, the Maroons avoided open warfare, using instead their expert knowledge of the island’s terrain and the art of camouflage, to ambush and defeat the British militia. Their ability to seemingly disappear into thin air, and survive near impossible attacks, often baffled the British. At the time, many speculated that the Maroons possessed magical powers. These rumours created a mystique surrounding the Maroons and, still, to this day, are responsible for the fantastic legends associated with their name.
In 1739, the Maroons forced the British to extend an unprecedented peace offering. The treaties of 1739 ended the First Maroon War. They recognized the Maroons as freemen and gave them right of ownership to all lands in the vicinity of their towns, moreover, exempting them from government taxes. Although there were subsequent disputes between the Maroons and the British, the main terms of the original Maroon treaties were never repealed.
Over the course of time, Maroon communities flourished. Generally cut off from the rest of Jamaican society, the Maroons managed to retain a tangible connection with their African heritage. Today, the two largest remaining Maroon villages in Jamaica are Accompong, in Trewlany, and Moore Town, in Portland. At first glance these villages appear no different from any other rural Jamaican community. Yet, if you look and listen carefully, you’ll notice that they are special and unique, many old African and Maroon traditions are still a part of everyday life.
As you enter a Maroon village, you are at once directed to the Colonel. The Colonel is the Chief Leader of the town, and therefore, one of the most important members in the community. An elected council assists him in overseeing village matters.
Walking through the town, you will hear Maroons speaking bits of the Kromanti language, an adaptation of African dialects, as well as Jamaican patois and English. This language was developed by the early Maroons and has survived to this day. You may also be treated to the sounds of Maroon music, seldom heard outside these communities. Reminiscent of African rhythms, the music is produced mainly by playing goatskin drums and blowing the abeng (a cow horn). Often accompanied by fervent dancing, it is used for recreational, ceremonial and healing purposes.
In addition to playing music and dancing, Maroons also use herbal medicine to heal various ailments. A part of their African heritage, the knowledge of herbal remedies is widespread throughout the society and most Maroons know at least the name and use of many healing plants.
The Maroons actively try to preserve their culture and heritage. Each year on January 6, Accompong holds a celebration to commemorate the signing of the peace treaty. Performances of Maroon drumming and dancing are highlights of the festival. In Portland, you may hike along old Maroon trails and visit historic spots like Cornwall Barracks or the original site of Nanny Town. There are plans to build a Maroon museum in both Accompong and Moore Town.
A Maroon from Moore Town once said, “To be a Maroon to me means that, regardless of the challenges of life, they can be overcome.” To the wider Jamaican society, these noble freedom fighters and proud champions are symbols of strength and eternal hope. |
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