Symbol- A triangle with on each side oval circles: symbolizing “pipe clay”. Pipe clay is mainly used for religious rituals. A reminder not to forget one relegious obligations.
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Symbol - Row of triangles: The path to an unknown destination. The deeper meaning can be derived from the surrounding symbols. This symbol is often placed on paddles that are used to propose.
Skillfulness, Competence
Skillfulness, Artfulness
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Symbol - Ribbed scale. The shield of an armadillo is difficult to break and to penetrate. It is said that it also possesses inner strength (inner and outer strength).
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Symbol - Fish scale: The scale covers the fish but also serves as identification. This also applies for men
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Symbol - Scaly structure: portraying the belly of a snake. Because of this structure on the belly the snake can only crawl forward.
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Symbol - Images going from wide to small. This symbolizes the teeth of the lizard, stating the saying “everything that I eat I chew well.”Whatever I do, I do right!
Diversity, Heterogeneity
Integrity, Righteousness
The most important characteristic of the art from the Suriname Maroon are the symbols.
They are branded by Surinam Designz, Inc. as SuMaArt (Surinam Maroon Art). ”Art that speaks without talking”.
Symbols are images, the oldest form of visual communication. They can be seen on Aztec pyramids, Egyptian cave drawings, in tombs, etc. Symbols represent
attitudes, beliefs and emotions and have more significance when the meaning is known to the viewers.
The meaningful symbols of the Suriname Maroons are not only unique they also portray courage, boldness, strength and perseverance ( read more on
SuMaArt). The symbols reflect the oneness of the Maroons with their surrounding (nature and species) and their spirituality. A few of the symbols were partly influenced by images from the modern world.When the Maroons first started to visit the city they copied images that impressd them but explained them but add their own meaning to them. It is unusual that the history, the creator and the origin of symbols are known.
The Maroon symbols are unique but they represent every day life where everyone can identify with. Some of the symbols can be used as affirmations.
These symbols are expressions of the nature of men as spiritual beings!
The images hereafter are photos and animations of the symbols.
Symbols
