Mocko Jumbie – St. Kitts – Nevis
The Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Domain of the Performing Arts was brought into focus during the inaugural Living Heritage showcase, held on Thursday, June 6, 2024. The event featured Traditional Knowledge Bearer Peter “Piggott” Walters, a respected and long-standing practitioner of the Mocko Jumbie tradition in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
The Living Heritage initiative aims to document, preserve, and promote cultural practices that have been passed down through generations. Through storytelling and personal reflection, the showcase provided insight into the history, evolution, and cultural importance of the Mocko Jumbie as a living art form.
A Lifelong Journey as a Mocko Jumbie
During the presentation, “Piggott” shared his personal journey into the world of Mocko Jumbie performance. He explained that he began walking on stilts at the age of nine after watching performers in his hometown of Sandy Point. Fascinated by their movement and presence, he practiced consistently until his talent caught the attention of a Mocko Jumbie troupe leader.
He was eventually invited to perform with the group, marking the beginning of decades of participation in cultural events across the Federation and beyond. His story reflects how traditional arts are often learned informally through observation, imitation, and mentorship within the community.
The full Living Heritage mini-documentary featuring “Piggott” is available through official social media platforms dedicated to Intangible Cultural Heritage in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Historical Roots of the Mocko Jumbie
The Mocko Jumbie tradition, which falls under the ICH Domain of the Performing Arts, has deep historical roots tracing back to Africa. Several African tribes practiced stilt walking, with some dances forming part of ceremonial and funeral rites.
The word “Jumbie” is derived from dialect and refers to a spirit of the dead walking among the living. This belief gives the Mocko Jumbie its symbolic presence and mystique. The art form is widely believed to have arrived in the Federation with formerly enslaved Africans, who make up a significant portion of the population of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Evolution of Costume, Music, and Performance
“Piggott” outlined how the Mocko Jumbie tradition has evolved over the decades, particularly from the 1960s through the 2010s. He recalled that early performances featured a specific set of costume elements.
- Wooden stilts used for walking and dancing
- Masks worn by performers skilled enough to manage them
- A whip used as part of the performance
- Colorful skirts made from fabric or decorative material
Over time, changes were made to reflect shifting cultural values. According to “Piggott,” skirts were eventually removed, and costumes evolved to include more reverent and patriotic attire. Music also changed significantly. While traditional string band music once accompanied performances, Mocko Jumbies later adapted to dancing to popular and contemporary music.
Innovation and International Exposure
Beyond preserving tradition, “Piggott” also contributed creatively to the art form. He shared that he invented several performance techniques, including a move known as the “chicken wing,” where a single stick is held forward while balancing on stilts.
He also described choreographed formations created by troupe members that formed letters visible from an aerial view, adding a new visual dimension to performances.
Throughout his career, “Piggott” and his troupe performed at multiple Caribbean Festival of the Arts events and participated in international engagements. Various clubs and organizations sponsored travel and accommodations, allowing them to showcase Mocko Jumbie performances at events around the world.
Passing on the Tradition
Now in his later years, “Piggott” no longer performs on stilts. Instead, he remains actively involved in the preservation of the Mocko Jumbie tradition by teaching others who are interested in learning the art form.
His role as a Traditional Knowledge Bearer ensures that the skills, stories, and cultural meaning behind the Mocko Jumbie continue to be passed on to future generations. Through initiatives like Living Heritage, these traditions remain visible, valued, and alive within the cultural landscape of St. Kitts and Nevis.