~Mocko Jumbie Jamboree~

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The Mocko Jumbie originated in a religious or spiritual context in Western Africa in places such as Togo, Sierra Leone and Senegal.  Depending on where you travel and the language spoken "mocko" connotates different meanings.  It comes from a central African language meaning "healer."  In the English language it means "to mock" and from West Africa nations it means "seeker" or "protector." Jumbie means spirit.  The Mocko Jumbie at one time was an intrical part of religious beliefs in Africa.  All visible parts of the Mocko Jumbie's body were covered so that no one in the villages would know the human aspect of this spiritual entity.  The Mocko Jumbie was the guardian of all spirits.  He kept all evil spirits away.  When Africans were brought to the Caribbean they were not allowed to practice openly.  The Mocko Jumbie began to camouflage by performing at festive occasions.  Although hundreds of years have passed, feelings about Mocko Jumbies have remained the same.  They are still loved and revered by all and followed in parades here as villagers in Africa had followed them hundreds of years ago.  Traditionally men were the only ones who engaged in the dance.  Today, in the Virgin Islands you will find men, women and children of all nationalities and races involved in this spiritual, ancient African art form. 
Today it can be considered as the "icon of Virgin Islands culture." 
Place your doll where it can watch over and protect you.