John Canoe dancers, Jamaica, W.I.

John Canoe dancers, Jamaica, W.I.

A troupe of John Canoe dancers including the "Queen" and Pitchy Patchy. John Canoe/Jonkonnu is believed to be derived from the name of a famous African Chief of the Guinea Coast named John Connu and a cultural retention of slave society. In Jamaica, John Canoe is viewed as a recreational activity and is usually reserved for the Christmas period when there emerges a band of diverse masqueraders. Some of the major characters include pitchy-patchy, horse head and belly woman. John Canoe was most prolific during the plantation era where slaves used Jonkonnu as a form of self-expression. It is also said that this was one of the few activities that the planters sanctioned as they saw no threats in the activities of Jonkonnu.

John Canoe - Jamaica; Folklore - Jamaica; Jonkonnu - Jamaica

NLJ Postcard Collection

D0000289

Permission to reproduce this image must be obtained from the National Library of Jamaica.

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