Wakes

Wakes: A social gathering at the home of the dead person to remember the person who has
passed on. In the Caribbean, they are often held during the nights leading up to the day of the
funeral and are known to last between 2 – 9 days dependent on the person’s religious belief or
other extenuating situations. Traditionally, wakes were held with the body of the dead person
in the home, but this has changed with the development of technology over the decades.

Elements of wakes

The list presented shows the traditional way of waking:

§ Persons usually remain awake during the night, friends and family support the bereaved
during this period.

§ Food such as coffee and light sandwiches are served to keep the person visiting refreshed.
These are often served at various intervals during the night.

§ Offering of prayers by a leader or other members of the family during the period

§ Singing of religious songs and dancing to keep the visitors awake. Drumming may happen
with the dancing of bongo, limbo, dinki mini, or kumina depending on the country.

§ The lighting of a candle. A candle is usually lit in the home or in the space the person has
died. This is done in remembrance of the person.

§ Spirits. Alcohol is often served at these gatherings. The first pour of the bottle is offered to
the ‘spirit’ by pouring a bit on the ground.

§ Playing games (bongo, cards, domino)

Wake related movements

Trinidad and Tobago

Limbo

These movements have often been claimed to be of Trinidad and Tobago origin. It is said to
be representative of two states:

1. Signifying the slaves entering the slave ship on their journey as they move from high to
lower parts of the deck on the ship.
2. Used to symbolize the transitioning from one state of being to the next. It is said the limbo
dancers are showing the movement of a person from the earthy realm to the spirit world.

These dances would usually be performed on the 9th and 40th night after the death of a
person. Even though considered a wake dance, is has become commercialized over the years.
The dances are done by a dancer passing under a stick (bar) which is either held by other
persons or a stand. In some instances, the bar may be lit on fire for added spectacle. Julia
Edwards of Trinidad and Tobago is credited for the introduction of the flaming bar as well as
the human limbo. See limbo from Best Village 2015, Trinidad, on the link below.
(https://youtu.be/i_Cg2idtWiQ )

Bongo

Bongo is a traditional Trinbagonian African dance that is done on the nights prior to a funeral
(during the wake). It is said to signify the passage of the deceased from one world to the next.
The actions are usually depicted by strong movements and are usually accompanied by
African drums and chantuelles (singers). Dances are often vibrant; leg and feet action are
often strong and done to high-tempo singing or music. See Bongo movements in link from
UWI, St. Augustine campus, Trinidad, June 1st, 2016 ( https://youtu.be/vxP4-IdHXo4 )

Jamaica

Dinki Mini (Jamaica)

The Dinki Mini originated from the Congolese word ‘ndingi’ which means lamentation or
funeral song. These are usually celebratory in nature; its intention is to cheer the family and
friends of the dead person. Dinki mini was practiced throughout slavery but is now done in
Jamaica as part of annual celebrations. Some of the parishes it is practiced are St. Ann, St.
Andrew, St. Mary and Portland.

This celebration was popular at set-ups or nine nights and consisted of singing, dancing, ring
games, stories, and the sharing of meals. A feast usually happens on the ninth night. For the
first 8 nights, the dinki mini is done and on the ninth night, a ritual is conducted to send off
the spirit. The family then cleans the home with the rearranging of the home and the turning
over of mattresses.

The actions focus on the use of the pelvic region and are performed in defiance of the death
that has occurred. Both male and female pelvic actions are suggestive in nature and it is said
that this action shows their ability to reproduce, unlike the person who has died. The action is
usually done with knees bent and foot action compliment those of the hips. See the link
below for the Dinki Mini movement, 2017 (https://youtu.be/rRFQbUxYWyM)
Kumina

This is considered one of Jamaica’s most African folk forms. It is associated with wakes and
entombments but has been known to be performed at births. A ceremony is done to call upon
the ancestral spirits: drums being an integral part of this process apart from shakers and
grater. William Knibb Memorial High School demonstrating Kumina (2012)
(https://youtu.be/ctnvxYloHsk ).

Compiled by Anderson La Barrie (2019)

Special thanks to:

Mr. Kieron Sargeant (Trinidad & Tobago)

Ms. Joanna Charles (Trinidad & Tobago)

Mr. Nazim Mohammed (Trinidad & Tobago)

References: African Dance in Trinidad. https://drumsvoice.wordpress.com

Ahyee, Molly. Golden Heritage, the Dances of Trinidad and Tobago. Port of Spain, Trinidad
and Tobago. Moona Printers Ltd. 1978 Dance of the Dinki Mini, 2017.
https://youtu.be/rRFQbUxYWyM

Gueverra, Precillia, Bongo Choreography, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine,
Trinidad and Tobago, 2016. https://youtu.be/vxP4-IdHXo4 Kumina, William Knibb High
School, 2012. https://youtu.be/ctnvxYloHsk

Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts, Trinidad and Tobago, Best
Village, 2015. https://youtu.be/i_Cg2idtWiQ

Traditional Folk Forms Unit, Jamaica Cultural Development Commission