AMERINDIAN MUSIC

Abstract

The colonization of Suriname brought precious little benefit to the original inhabitants of the Surinamese jungle, the Amerindians. Of the original inhabitants there are now only 20,000 left living in Suriname divided among the members of the Trio, Wayana, Akurio, Kalina, and Arawak (Lokono) tribes. The first four groups are regarded as Carib Indians who inhabited northern South America. The 15,000 Kalina make up three quarters of Amerindian people living in Suriname, who live predominately along the coastal area. The Trio and Wayana live in the southern Sipaliwini district, along the border with Brazil and French Guiana. The Arawaks, the only non-Carib Indians, inhabit the central savannas of Suriname. It discusses the music of religious feasts, devotional songs, and laments. The Kalini tribe’s instruments of the sambura drum and krawasie rattle are featured as is the role played by the pyjaiman (shaman).