Description
Book SynopsisOnce the Maroons escaped from slavery and established their communities in the remote interior of Suriname, attention shifted from military threat to internal danger. As they faced these dangers in an unknown rainforest, they sought refuge in prophetic movements directed by charismatic religious leaders. This book charts the history of Okanisi religious movements from their escape to the present day. It is based on sixty years of fieldwork by the late Bonno Thoden van Velzen and Ineke van Wetering, archival research and oral histories. Prophets of Doom is a tribute to Okanisi society and reflects decades of research and dedication.
Table of ContentsForeword: Two anthropologists at Work: An Insider’s Perspective Acknowledgements Glossary List of Maps and Illustrations Introduction 1 The Construction of History in Maroon Society 2 The Lost Homeland and the Years of Suffering 3 Loweten: The Great Trek 4 In a Forest Sanctuary 5 The Fight for Supremacy and the Exploration of the Hinterland 6 Peace 7 Dangerous Newcomers 8 A War Like No Other 9 Great Events 10 Saka in Command of the Tribal Obiya 11 New Movements 12 At the Oracle of Gaan Tata 13 A Fury Unleashed 14 The Jungle Commando’s Obiya 15 Demons 16 Hard Facts and the Stories Archival Sources and References Index