Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies Holds Holiday Demonstration

The Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies held a holiday demonstration and highlighted the accomplishments of young and upcoming youth trainees at the Schjang Ballpark on Saturday.

The Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies have been dedicated to the preservation of the art of stilt dancing in the Virgin Islands for almost 30 years. About 15 moko jumbies and their family members were observed as the trainees put on a show of the skills they had learned.

One of the founders and leaders of the guardians of culture, Wilard John, said, “We try to let them know that this originated on the continent of Africa, and it came out of a spiritual and religious context. It migrated to the Caribbean through slavery, and it has survived. Our mission is to promote and preserve this most wonderful art form so that we can display it. The moko jumbies have become a cultural icon in the Virgin Islands.”

Lead Instructor Zayd Saleem, who has worked with the young moko jumbies, was described by John as “not only their teacher, but he is also their mentor, uncle, father, grandfather. He is everything to them.”