Trad Ritual Music Guyana / Various

• Track Listing

David Blair Stiffler's 1982 recordings, from the Guyana United Apostolitic Mystical Council and St. Matthews Apostolitic Mission, represent the African communities of Guyana. Integrating African animism and European Christian influences, the songs reflect the desire to maintain cultural ties to traditional beliefs in response to segregation and slavery (until 1834 under European rule) in Guyana. Religious rituals, marriage ceremonies, and ancestor worship are conveyed in traditional song, dance and drumming. 17 songs, 42 minutes, with liner notes including Guyanan history and song descriptions.