Slave Culture- African or American free essay sample

Despite the abduction of millions of blacks from their homeland, slaves developed a strong familial camaraderie in America, retaining their African traditions as seen through dance, language, clothing and hairstyle. Although kinship ties were usually broken during the slavery process, blacks living on the same plantation created a strong-knit community that took part in festivals that highlighted the vibrant music and dancing of the African culture.Additionally, blacks expressed the individuality and uniqueness of their African tribe through their clothing and distinct hairstyles. The constant influx of black slaves into America guaranteed the survival of the African culture, as more and more generations Of slaves replenished the African heritage (Hackney 570). Although most evidence suggests slave culture was rooted in Africa, slave advocacy in adopting Christianity supports the theory of their assimilation into American culture.In dealing with the hardships of slavery, blacks endea vored in numerous efforts of rebellion and escape to avoid assimilation into the American culture. We will write a custom essay sample on Slave Culture- African or American? or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Nat Turners revolt embodied African resistance towards American radiation, as Turner sought to free his fellow slaves from oppression and achieve a sense of equality, as seen through the eyes of God (blackbodies. Org). As a result of enslavement, blacks became united in times of resistance, as their ethnic heritage bonded and emboldened them and underlay their New World identity as Africans, forged in their common struggle (Rocker 285).Similar to the tightly bonded African extended family, slaves exhibited strong camaraderie during times of escape, as it was common for Africans to leave in bands of six or more people (Covers 290). Slave participation in communal festivals each year promoted the existence of the lively African culture, as they congregated by the hundreds to perform rituals, sing, and dance. The Pinsetters festival featured a mass assembly of blacks that would dance to the hollow Sound of a Drum, made of the Trunk of a hollow Tree.. . The grating rattling Noise of pebbles [sic] or Shells in a small Basket (White 8).Music along with dancing took various shapes and forms as the Kinkajou festival reflected the African importance of nature, as it was accompanied with songs strange, monotonous cadences (Warren 9). Slaves ere also successful in maintaining their African dialects, which not only allowed them to endure the collective tragedy of slavery, but to bequeath a onto blew and enduring heritage to generations to come Owner 280). Slaves also exhibited their allegiance to the African culture through their clothing and hairstyle.Hair was regarded as one of the most important parts Of the body for Africans as elaborate hair designs reflect[deed] tribal affiliation, status, sex, age, [and] occupation (White 49). In addition, hairstyles conveyed different messages to society and nature, as people of the Your culture raided their hair to send messages to the gods (Wick). Similarly, African- American women made cloth that incorporated the West African ideals of design, using radiant colors to embody the highly spirited culture (Thompson 170).Although blacks maintained several traditions of their past African culture, many slaves gave up their pagan beliefs and adopted Christianity in order to gain a sense of belonging in the new American culture. Christianity became an Americanize force on slaves not only because it served an opportunity for them to escape the white encroachment towards their African elision, but it also fit into West African ideas about the deities, the universe, and rebirth (Frey 282).Likewise, blacks were so quick to adopt Christianity because it acculturated them into American society with a feeling of equality among their white counterparts (Arboreal 283). Despite many blacks retaining their past cultural traditions, the goal in converting slaves to Christianity was successful as slaves turned not to traditional African sources of wisdom and solace but to Christianity for a useful and restorative understanding of daily life.