Surinamese Maroons facts for kids
The Surinamese Maroons (also called Marrons or Businenge) are a group of people who live in Suriname and French Guiana. Their name "Businenge" means "black people of the forest." They are the descendants of enslaved Africans who bravely escaped from plantations and created new lives deep in the forests.
The culture of the Surinamese Maroons is very special. It is one of the best-preserved African cultures outside of Africa. Over time, the Maroons have faced many challenges, like wars, losing their land, natural disasters, and moving to new places. Today, there are six main Maroon groups, or tribes, in Suriname.
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Who Are the Surinamese Maroon Groups?
There are six main groups of Surinamese Maroons. Each group settled along different rivers in the region:
- Aluku (also known as Boni): They first lived near the Commewijne River and later moved to the Marowijne River.
- Kwinti: This group settled along the Coppename River.
- Matawai: You can find the Matawai people along the Saramacca River.
- Ndyuka (also called Aukan): They live near the Marowijne and Commewijne Rivers.
- Paamaka (Paramaccan): This group also lives along the Marowijne River.
- Saamaka (Saramaccan): They settled along the Suriname River.
What Languages Do Maroons Speak?
The languages spoken by Surinamese Maroons are unique. They are a mix of different languages. The words come mostly from the English language, Portuguese, and some Dutch. A small but important part of their vocabulary, about 5% to 20%, comes from various African languages.
The way they pronounce words and use sounds is very similar to African languages. They even have a special system where the tone of a word can change its meaning, which is common in many African languages.
What Is the Traditional Maroon Religion?
The traditional religion of the Surinamese Maroons is called Winti. It's a blend of different African religious beliefs and practices. These beliefs were brought to Suriname mainly by enslaved people from the Akan and Fon groups in Africa. Winti is unique to Suriname, where it first started.
In Winti, people believe in many spirits, also called Winti. A very important part of the religion is honoring ancestors. Winti does not have written books or a main leader. For almost 100 years, practicing Winti was against the law.
Since the 1970s, many Maroons have moved to cities and some have become evangelical Christians. However, after the year 2000, Winti started to become more popular again, especially among Maroons living in other countries.
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