The Abeng, Symbol of Resistance or Betrayal?

The abeng, an instrument made from animal horn, is part and parcel of Maroon culture. By blowing through it Maroons, runaway slaves who maintained free communities, could communicate with each other, sending messages that were impossible or the untrained ear to decipher. Its sound was said to drive terror into the hearts of the British. Usually the abeng is seen as a symbol of freedom. However, because the Maroons eventually signed peace treaties and would be used by the British to suppress slave and anti-colonial uprisings, their symbolism is complicated. It can be argued therefore that the abeng represents not just resistance and struggle but disunity and co-optation. What would lead to this very challenging set of circumstances? These are questions we get answered when we visit Maroon communities and delve deeper into Jamaican history. History after all is never a simple thing.

To find out more about our Maroon tours, email us at info@jaculture.com or call/whatsapp 1 876 540 8570 / 1 876 374 6370.