Evolution of traditional taboos in Suriname

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18472/SustDeb.v15n1.2024.52016

Keywords:

Traditional taboos, Tyina, Trefu, Leprosy, Suriname, Greater Caribbean

Abstract

Traditional taboos have persisted in Suriname, thanks to the sustainability of African culture in Maroon communities in the interior of the country. A conceptual dichotomy emerged in the 19th and early 20th centuries coinciding with two geographical regions: in the coastal region, ‘trefu’, a food taboo, practised mainly by Creoles, violation of which was thought to result in contracting leprosy, and in the interior ‘tyina’, a ‘broader’ taboo concept (food, places, actions) practised by Maroons. Recent research indicates the dichotomy is weakening, reflected in a declining belief in the trefu-leprosy relation and a merging of ‘trefu’ and ‘tyina’, exchange of taboo practices between ethnic groups and declining adherence of youngsters to taboos. The migration of Maroons to the coastal region and creolisation appear to be driving forces behind these processes, whilst the decline in leprosy incidence may also have contributed. Additional research is needed to understand the evolution of traditional taboos in Suriname and the Greater Caribbean.

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Author Biographies

Jack Kenneth Menke, PhD in Social Sciences, Chairperson of SuriBraz Academic Network and Full Professor, Anton de Kom University, Paramaribo, Suriname

Jack Menke has been involved in academic projects in several countries and regions, e.g. Suriname, Guyana,  French Guiana, Brazil, the United States, the Caribbean, Belgium and the Netherlands. He participates in innovative research and networks across disciplines and themes. He published on methodology, sustainability, regionalism, health and ecology,  political economy, and cultural diversity. His most recent book is: Sustainability at a Crossroads; Challenges and opportunities of the Guiana Shield. Forthcoming publication: Suriname: Land of diversity. Balancing nature and culture for development.

Henk Ewald Menke, PhD in Medicine, Researcher, Guest appointment, Freudenthal Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands

Henk Menke studied medicine and subsequently specialized in dermatology and medical history. His research, cutting through disciplines, focuses on historical and socio-cultural aspects of major dermatological and STD related infectious diseases, in particular leprosy. Furthermore on the historically developed interaction between infected people, their cultural heritage and the surrounding nature.

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Published

2024-04-30

How to Cite

Menke, J. K., & Menke, H. E. (2024). Evolution of traditional taboos in Suriname. Sustainability in Debate, 15(1), 233–248. https://doi.org/10.18472/SustDeb.v15n1.2024.52016

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