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snake , bird or the stars . Myths are revisited through the beating of the drums as they reach out to the spirits of their ancestors .
The Kalinago ’ s symbolisms are many . Rain and sun are significant , so too are animals like the bat , which is symbolic of dry season , and frogs that of the wet season . Frogs are also a symbol of fertility . As the Karina Cultural Group creatively dramatize their ancestral heritage , to those who are familiar with their traditions , interpretations are easy , but to others , many questions will inevitably follow .
One of the ancient legends depicted in song and dance is that of the snake king . It is said that a gigantic boa constrictor , Bakwa , which possessed special powers , swam up to Dominica from South America . At that time , the earth was still soft and so it climbed over the Manganeeney Ridge , carved out portions of the rock and slid into a cave in the Dominican mountain . Their forefathers believed it lived in that giant underground cave and had the power to grant wishes . Before a request was made of the snake king , one would have to fast for several days to purify the body . They will then approach the cave with offerings of tobacco , cassava bread and a ceremonial drink called “ Ouicou ”. After accepting the offering , the snake would temporarily transform into a human , and grant them their wish . Today , a snake-like rock , L ’ escalier Tete Chien remains , indicative of where Bakwa emerged from the water and etched a path onto the shore en route to the mountains .
These and many other enchanting stories are part of the ancestral heritage of the Kalinago people who came to Dominica from South America in the 14th century , and the Karina Cultural Group proudly shares this story and many more . Consisting of 20 members , the group has been the recipient of many awards over the years . In November 2020 , they were honoured to receive the Golden Drum Award which is the highest cultural award granted in Dominica .
In addition to performing at Dominica ’ s World Creole Festival and other cultural events around the island , the group have participated in cultural exchanges with other indigenous people in the Caribbean . They also conduct workshops teaching participants inside and outside of the Kalinago community the art of craft-making which is an integral part of their culture . Kalinago children are taught their native language and although non- Kalinago people can learn about Kalinago culture , some of their traditions and secrets are reserved for their people only and are therefore not shared with outsiders .
Some of these secrets are utilized by Gerald in his other role as ‘ medicine man ’ within the Territory . He is a treasure trove of knowledge about traditional herbs , the health uses of tree barks , the spirituality of river water , nature ’ s innate ability to heal , dispelling of bad spells and provision of cleansing baths . His wisdom is reserved specifically for his people as taught by his ancestors . Gerald is sought after for thanksgiving ceremonies and will participate in the chants , dances , singing and drumming as offerings are made to the great spirit and to mother earth .
If you are fortunate to meet Gerald while visiting the Kalinago Territory , you are guaranteed to be enthralled by the stories he will tell . He is Kalinago and the culture and history of his ancestors live on through him and the Karina Cultural group he confidently leads .