Moko Jumbie

Life throws some scary things at you like the little creaks in the middle of the night, the speeding car that passed you unawares or unknown aches and pains we can't explain.  We worry about everything.  It is in our nature.  We over-emphasize the things that might hurt us. 

As a species we are always trying to mitigate risk. We want to be sure the crops will flourish, we want to know our family will be healthy, we want to know that the put in on the eighteenth green will go it... We are a superstitious  bunch. Through our evolution as a species we have created talismans to ensure things work the way we want.  

In a way a talisman will work because you can start focusing on positive outcomes.  Rituals and talismans provide us psychological protection against the boogey men and bad things that can happen.  

In the Virgin Islands that protector is the Moko Jumbie. At carnivals and celebrations the stilt walkers come out to play.  It takes quite a bit of talent. These Moko Jumbies are high walkers watching over the people and keeping evil things away.  A good Jumbie performance can be a great spectacle.  Some stuff they do is completely jaw dropping.  

I choose not to be superstitious but hope the Jumbies are watch out out for me. I did this stylized drawing thinking back on the sky walkers on parade during Carnival.  One of the island's great attractions. 

I hope this week goes very well for you.  Loved the parade again this year.  

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