Afrom Colombian Month - Paula Varela

ACW Y7-Y10

Mes de la

Afrocolombianidad

• During May in Colombia, the whole

country comes together to
commemorate and support
Afro-Colombian culture and work
towards equality.

• This special date was first

celebrated in 2001, to honor the Afro
population, and give recognition to all
their contributions.

Parte 1

1. Do you think identity is connected to
places? Why?

4. Human beings are memory builders, why do
you think we have the need to create
traditions in order to not forget our journey?

Open Ended

1. Do you think that you belong to a place (Town, country, territory, land)?

2. Human beings are memory builders, why do you think we have the need to

create traditions in order to not forget our journey?

Pacific Region

La
ombligada

La
ombligada

​La Ombligada, an African tradition that Afro-Colombian communities still practice in their territories. This tradition was originated in Africa but spread to Asia, Europe and America due to migration, once settled the communities still executed La Ombligada since it has a deep and three-dimensional meaning to them: A territorial, vital, and ancestral meaning. In first place, some communities bury the newborn's belly button next to the roots of a tree, as a way to connect their lives with the territory. The tree and the person, who's belly button was buried, are meant to grow at the same pace and the person

needs to commit to take care of it during their lifetime (Territorial dimension).

La
ombligada

In second place, the tree’s and the newborn's lives will be connected as time goes by, Afro-Colombian communities complement La Ombilgada by adding pulverized products from vegetal, animal and metallic sources (that are usually kept as a secret), since they consider this will bring benefits to the newborn's life, meaning abilities, talents and good luck (Vital dimension). In third place, life for these communities is seen as a cycle; they believe there is a link between humans in the world and ancestors' souls, who all coexist in the same space and at the same time. Said link is built and strengthened generation through generation (Ancestral dimension). The tradition concludes when at the end of their life that same person is buried in the same tree where La Ombligada took place, in this way the cycle is completed and a sense of community is constructed for and by Afro Colombians.

Dimensión territorial

Dimensión vital

The communities
Complement La
Ombilgada by adding
pulverized products from
vegetal, animal and
metallic sources (that are
usually kept as a secret),

Dimensión ancestral

1. Make connections and
think of an object,
tradition, food, product,
lullaby or custom that
make you feel rooted to
a particular culture,
community, or place.
2. Explain why.
3. Share your answers
with the class.

Draw

1. Make connections and think of an object, tradition, food, product, lullaby or custom that make you feel rooted to a particular culture, community, or place.

2. Explain why.

3. Share your answers with the class.

Draw your

object/tradition/custom

Name of the

object/tradition/

custom

Describe why it makes

you feel rooted

Do you think the place where
you were born is part of your
identity? birthplace?

If so, what happens when you
move to a different place?
Would your identity and
perspectives be affected by
that?

Or on the other hand you
could feel even more
connected to a new place
than to your birthplace?

Open Ended

Do you think the place where you were born is part of your identity? If

so, what happens when you move to a different place? Would your identify and perspectives

be affected by that? or on the other hand you could feel even more connected to a new place

than to your birth place?

Parte 2

1. In which context do you think
this kind of chants are
played/sung?

2. What do you think the purpose
of chants is?

4. Do you know of any tradition in
which a community gathers
together around music? If so, tell
us about it.

3. What feelings or sensations did
the chants evoke in you?

Alabaos

Alabaos are a set of
chants and rhythms
that tell stories about

the passing of an

individual

Alabaos

Not only Alabaos aim to
accompany the person's
soul and guide them to

eternity but also help the

community with facing

their loss and their
healing processes.

Elena Hinestroza

• Colombian cantaora.
• She gives visibility to

Afro Colombian
sounds.

• Her songs portray the

traditions but also
represent the
challenges the
communities face in
the territories.

Gualíes

Include games, dances,
music, jokes, and rhymes,

the sense of this

ceremony is more joyful
than Alabaos’, since the
idea is to honor children

with love and joy.

1. Listen to the following
alabao and connect it
with all the information
you have explored.
2. Select three songs
that represent your
connection with your
culture or community.
3. Share your answers
with the class.

In which way can music or
chants help us to build
collective memory?

In which way can music or
chants help a community or
individual with their healing
processes?

How do you think music
supports communities when it
comes to create a sense of
resilience and solidarity?

Parte 3

1. What struggles do you think
people from these territories
could face?

2. Do you think that music is
important for people who live in
these territories? Why?

3. Do you know any music
style/song that was created in
similar social
contexts/environments? If so,
tell us about it

El Joe Arroyo

• Born in Cartagena, El

Joe was a Colombian
salsa musician and
composer.

• He faced economic

and social
disadvantages, but he
found a safe and
inspirational place in
music.

• He started singing

songs at different
restaurants located
in dangerous areas.

• His songs have to do

with many human
emotions like love,
joy, heartbreak, and
a sense of belonging
to his Caribbean
coast territory.

Afro legends

• Born in Buenaventura,

Chocó y Guapi, in the
Pacific Coast of
Colombia.

• Some members of the

group experienced
social inequality and
forced displacement.

• They entered various

music contests in
Colombia and
obtained recognition
and popularity.

• They always include

traditional sounds
from Afro-Colombian
music such as
tamboras and
marimbas.

1. Use the information
explored about the
territories and
Afro-Colombian artists'
lives and contributions.
2. Create a poster about
an artist that has faced
and overcome
disadvantages.
3. Share with the rest of
class.

Draw the artista

here

Name of the artist

Reflect on the traits and actions
that helped them to get the better
out of those drawbacks. Also, write
the contributions those characters
have done to their area of expertise

or how they have become

inspirational figures. (You can also
write the name of different songs

they created, that have an

inspirational message)

Extra activity

1. Think of three songs
that you feel identified
with and that
represent your
personal journey
2. Write them down

1. Do you believe the pathway to
overcoming hardships is easier
now? Why?

2. Think about the current context
and contemporary artists, do you
think social media and the internet
have played a major role in solving
social difficulties? Why?

3. Do social media help artists
become more successful and
famous? Why?

¡Nos vemos la próxima clase!