Figure 1.--Maroon villages were built along Surimame's many rivers. These Maroon boys look like they are in a modern fishing boat rather thn a dug-out canoe. They seemed to have retrievd a little lumber. The photograph was probably taken in the 1950s or early-60s.

The Maroons had a traditionaal life style and culture in many ways more like the Amer-Indian population than the Creole population. This varied because they lived in isolation and not as one centralized group. The Surinamese Maroon culture has been described as 'one of the best-preserved pieces of African cultural heritage outside of Africa.' This is because many escaped from the plantations with their African identities still in place. Women play an important role in the economy. Maroon economy has been traditionally gender based activities. Women engaged in subsistence horticulture. The Maroons probaby had more agricultural knowledge than the indigenous Amer-Indians. The men pursued hunting and fishing. In recent years the Maroons have begin to assimilate into Surinasmese society. Men have begun seeking jobs in mining and urban areas, usally leaving their family behind if they are married. This means that they have assumed responsibility for managing the household. Some Maroons have moved to Paramaribo the capital and onlyb substantial city in Surinam. They usualloy work as laborers or in the bauxite enclaves. Growing numbers now live in and around Paramaribo. Some are moving eastward into adjacent French Guiana because of employment opportunities.

Created: 5:12 AM 8/24/2012
Last updated: 4:17 AM 2/26/2024