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NANNY IS a folk figure (see statute right) * an individual who sparked numerous stories and legends. Shenimbly straddles the realms of reality and myth. In 1517, when the Spanish ruled Jamaica, the first group of Africans arrived as slaves. When the British captured the island in 1655, many of the Spanish left, and their slaves became free. These ex-slaves fled to different hilly areas around the island. There they banded together to fight against the British and protect their freedom. They became known as Maroons.
Over three centuries of slavery on the island, some slaves, like Nanny, escaped from the plantations and joined them. Some believe the name Maroon comes from the Spanish word, 'cimarron' meaning 'wild.'
Although there is some dispute as to whether Nanny actually existed or whether she stands as a composite of Maroon female leaders, references to a leader "Nanny" are recorded in contemporary eye-witness accounts of 18th century Jamaican history and in secondary material.
For example, the Treaty of 1739/40 mentions granting "Nanny and the people residing with her 500 acres of land in Portland." In 1735 the slave, Cupid, reported seeing "three white men that were taken in some of these parties carried to Nanny Town and there put to death by Nanny." Her name and influence are cornerstones of Maroon oral tradition.
Although said to be small and wiry she is recognized as a champion of freedom, a female warrior who promoted guerrilla warfare tactics against her British foes. She is recognized as a leader who symbolized hope in times of crisis and fostered respect for her own Ashanti traditions. She is also immortalized as a high priestess with great powers.
Numerous legends swirl about her. One credits her with creating a "nanny pot", a cauldron of water that boiled without fire and trapped unsuspecting British soldiers * enemies of her people the Maroons. Still others speak of deflecting fire by catching bullets and/or cannon balls in her buttocks. Some say she is sister to other great Maroon leaders * Cudjoe, Accompong, Cuffy, Quao and Paro.
Nanny is said to have died in the 1750s and is buried at "Bump Grave" in what is now known as Moore Town in Portland, at the eastern end of Jamaica. Today Jamaicans honour Nanny as a National Hero out of respect for her wise, fighting spirit and her commitment to freedom and independence. An artist's impression of her can be found on the five-hundred-dollar ($500) bill.
Over three centuries of slavery on the island, some slaves, like Nanny, escaped from the plantations and joined them. Some believe the name Maroon comes from the Spanish word, 'cimarron' meaning 'wild.'
Although there is some dispute as to whether Nanny actually existed or whether she stands as a composite of Maroon female leaders, references to a leader "Nanny" are recorded in contemporary eye-witness accounts of 18th century Jamaican history and in secondary material.
For example, the Treaty of 1739/40 mentions granting "Nanny and the people residing with her 500 acres of land in Portland." In 1735 the slave, Cupid, reported seeing "three white men that were taken in some of these parties carried to Nanny Town and there put to death by Nanny." Her name and influence are cornerstones of Maroon oral tradition.
Although said to be small and wiry she is recognized as a champion of freedom, a female warrior who promoted guerrilla warfare tactics against her British foes. She is recognized as a leader who symbolized hope in times of crisis and fostered respect for her own Ashanti traditions. She is also immortalized as a high priestess with great powers.
Numerous legends swirl about her. One credits her with creating a "nanny pot", a cauldron of water that boiled without fire and trapped unsuspecting British soldiers * enemies of her people the Maroons. Still others speak of deflecting fire by catching bullets and/or cannon balls in her buttocks. Some say she is sister to other great Maroon leaders * Cudjoe, Accompong, Cuffy, Quao and Paro.
Nanny is said to have died in the 1750s and is buried at "Bump Grave" in what is now known as Moore Town in Portland, at the eastern end of Jamaica. Today Jamaicans honour Nanny as a National Hero out of respect for her wise, fighting spirit and her commitment to freedom and independence. An artist's impression of her can be found on the five-hundred-dollar ($500) bill.
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