(No. 1.)

SKETCHES OF CHARACTER,

In Illustration of the Habits, Occupation, and Costume

OF THE

NORRO POPULATION,

IN THE

ISLAND OF JAMAICA,

Drawn after Nature, and in Lithography,

BY

I. M. BELISARIO.

"Nothing extenuate, nor ought set down in malice."

Price { To Subscribers . . . . . . . . . . £1 6 8 { Per Number, Colored.
      To Non-Subscribers . . . . . . . 1 13 4

PUBLISHED BY THE ARTIST, AT HIS RESIDENCE, NO. 21, KING-STREET.

KINGSTON, JAMAICA :

SOLD ALSO BY MESSRS. JAS. WALLACE & CO.
MESSRS. SMITH & CLARK; MESSRS JORDON & OSBORN; L. TREADWAY;
WM. CARVER, AND F. EGAN.

Printed by J. R. De Cordova, at the Gleaner's Office, No. 36, Harbour-Street.

1837.

PREFACE.

Various have been the reasons, or rather apologies, frequently advanced by writers, for presenting their works to the public: conveying thereby for the most part, evident distrust of their legitimate pretension to favor.

Such precaution, may in some few instances, have a tendency to disarm criticism, or at least, to cause its lash to fall more lightly; but surely claimants for indulgence, would be spared the humiliation of either craving mercy, or having recourse to subterfuge, were they openly to avow their motives for having embarked on the perilous voyage of public approval, and at the same time stipulate for the privilege due to authors, "viz," that of not seeking more in their works, than they themselves intend.

Shielded as this production it is hoped will be, from the severity of criticism with which a literary work might probably have been visited, still the Artist is not altogether free from apprehension, for the safety of his Bark, launched as it is on the like troubled Sea.

His motives for having intruded on public attention, he unreservedly states to be, firstly, the ambition to acquire repute in his favorite occupation—the Arts; secondly, a desire to hand down faithful delineations of a people, whose habits, manners, and costume, bear the stamp of originality, and in which changes are being daily effected by the rapid strides of civilization; and lastly, the hope of reaping an abundant harvest from the undertaking, to compensate for the toil, anxiety, and time besotted on its completion, in a clime so inimical to the furtherance of such an object.

It will be borne in mind, as set forth in the Prospectus, that, he purposes to furnish but "Sketches of Character," steering clear of Caricature: nature in her ordinary form alone, having been the source from whence all the original drawings were derived, and however amusing her accidental deviations from that course of moulding the human shape, may prove to the admirers of the ludicrous, it behaves not an Artist in this instance, to lend himself to the portraying of deformity!

Whilst your Purveyor, Gentle Reader, disclaims all intention of becoming a Satirist with his pencil, he confidently indulges the hope of being enabled, nevertheless, to provide a series of mirthful, and otherwise interesting designs, combined with strict attention to costume, so varied and picturesque in the Negro Population.

To those friends who have aided him either by useful hints, or the loan of Works, conveying valuable information on the various subjects, on which he will have occasion to touch in the progress of the publication, the Artist thus publicly begs to tender his acknowledgments, such timely assistance having afforded him considerable facilities.

In conclusion, he has also to express his sense of the obligation conferred by the Subscribers, in the liberal support extended to the Work; this he trusts may augur favorably of their future encouragement, by kindly naming it in their several circles—to merit which, his best energies, and close study, shall be unceasingly employed.

KINGSTON, JAMAICA, JUNE 1837.

## QUEEN,* OR "MAAM" OF THE SET-GIRLS.

The subject of our first print, is an individual of no less importance in her own eyes, than in the estimation of the lovers of mirth, acting at the Christmas holidays, as conductress of a lively, and graceful band of female dancers, denominated Set-Girls, of whom we shall have occasion to speak more at length, in due course.

This, their Queen, is invested with absolute authority, which, be it remarked, she exercises with ansparing severity, as may be inferred by the Cow-skin whip borne in her hand, in lieu of *Sceptre*, and gaily ornamented with colored ribbons, as it were in mockery of the purpose to which it is not unfrequently applied—the appendage is highly necessary for the preservation of order in her *corps de ballet*.

Taking a minute survey of her attire, the most striking points in her coiffure, are the blue ribbon bow of imposing dimensions, and feathers tipped with the same color—these forming the distinguishing badges of the Set to which she is attached, viz.—the "Blues;" there are also the "Reds."

The ornaments displayed are probably the loan of her mistress; the remainder of the dress is invariably purchased by herself, and at a cost of several pounds. In times gone bye, such was the extent to which expenditure of this kind was indulged in by these votaries of pleasure, that the richest silks, satins, laces, &c. were called in requisition to adorn their persons, nor were the entertainments then given, of a less sumptuous character; these, however, were frequently contributed to most liberal-ly, if not wholly provided, by the families resident in the immediate neighbourhood of the scene of gaiety: the loan of their plate also, tended greatly to increase the splendor of the feast, and was seldom refused for that purpose.

During the period of the Earl of Mulgrave's administration, as governor of this island, scenes were exhibited in Falmouth, the writer has been informed, that were highly entertaining—a description of Masquerade in procession, having been got up, in which his Lordship, with several other distinguished characters, were personated, by negroes in full costume, as closely imitating their models in this respect as possible; but alas! they had lost sight of one grand requisite to complete the resemblance, viz.—case of manner, and consequently, their deportment being strangely at variance with that of their originals, rendered such mimic actions truly amusing. The moment selected for portraying this *Prima Donna*, is that, in which she may be supposed leading her set-girls—betraying all the pride, and conscious importance of her office, and "tripping it on the light fantastic toe." Leaving her to the performance of such duty, we will bestow consideration on the youthful band, who form the subject of the succeeding print.

* Since the print was executed, it has been intimated to the Artist that "Queen" and "Maam" are distinct titles, the former claiming pre-eminence, vide "order of procession," in Red Set-Girls.

SONG.

"There is a Regiment of the fifth, we expect, from hence.
From London to Scotland away they must go,
There was one among them, that I really love well,
With his bonny Scotch plaid, and his bayonet so shining,
New pray my noble King, if you really love me well,
Distand us from slavery, and set us at large."

Crownts.—La Inla, in la.

Perhaps the reader's quickness of perception, may enable him to discover the meaning in this
choice scrap, the writer pleads inability, and therefore retires from the attempt. The incongruities to be
found almost in every line, never strike these folks, on the contrary, they are perfectly satisfied with this
style of arranging their ideas, without for a moment stopping to consider, if it be prose, or poetry.—Here
we have a love-sick *fuir-one*, absolutely enamoured of a soldier she has *never seen*, and in conclusion, pre-
suming the King is in love with her.

These Songs are chanted at the top of their voice, with an accompaniment of instruments, for the
most part out of tune, and played by musicians, rather carelessly dressed.

JAW-BONE, OR HOUSE JOHN-CANOE.

It might perhaps prove almost as fruitless, as it would be a difficult task, to trace the origin of the "John-Canoe." In the absence then of more positive information on the subject, it is presumed, we may be allowed to hazard the opinion that, this description of *Merry-Andrew*, was introduced into the Island with the Slave-Trade, having since undergone certain changes in costume, &c. produced, no doubt, by the nearer approach this people had made towards civilization. Yet, with all such attempts at improvement on their own rude mode of habiting these grotesque figures, sufficient still remained for a long series of years, so monstrous and uncouth in their general character, as to induce the belief, they were derived from an untutored, and savage nation.

By the powerful influence of the *March of Intellect*, this Christmas amusement, with many others, has been nearly abandoned, leaving but a catalogue of names, to remind one of the by-gone days of merriment in Jamaica, when the streets were thronged with forms as varied, and hidden, as a mind disturbed by "Blue Devils," could well have conjured up, and the scene might not inaptly have been styled a *Tropical Carnival*. Some few tribes of Africans, may still be found enjoying their song and dance to the *Gumbay*, after the manner of their native country, but such instances are rare.

The most conspicuous of those who annually attract public notice, are the "Koo-Koo," or "Actor-Boy," and the "Jaw-Bone John-Canoe." Of the former *Buskined Hero*, more in the second number of the Work. The latter, non-descript compound, in half-military, half-mountebank attire, comes under present consideration. His regimental coat and sash, are invariably retained, whatever changes may take place in the other parts of his costume—and as a rule without exception, he (in common with the whole of the John-Canoe fraternity) always wears a mask, with a profusion of dark hair, which is suffered to fall in large wild ringlets over his face and shoulders, giving to his appearance an extraordinary and savage air—scaring, and creating wonderment in the gaping crowd around him.

The® house is usually constructed of pasteboard and colored papers—it is also frequently highly
ornamented with beads, tinsel, spangles, pieces of looking-glass, &c. &c. and being firmly fixed on a board,
the bearer is enabled to balance it, whilst going through many strange contortions of body and limbs,
miscalled, dancing : the position in which he is drawn, will convey a tolerably accurate idea of one of his
favorite steps, consisting of rapid crossings of his legs, several times repeated, and terminating in a sudden
stoppage, at which point, it requires all the ability of this *Posture-Master*, to poise his body at one and
the same moment, with his paper castle borne aloft, and indeed, it is truly astonishing to witness the
celerity, and precision with which this feat of agility is performed : not *allogether* unlike the move-
ment so rapturously applauded in the Foreign Dancers at the the Opera-House, who, after having ex-
cuted an extraordinary pirouette, remain, as it were, transfixed to the stage.—Pardon the comparison ye
*Artistes*!!

* The specimen as given in the print, although a plain one, has been selected, to show an evident attempt (however humbly) at West India architecture—the scalloped pillars, being intended as imitations of the same kinds of supporters in wood, to the balconies so universally attached to dwellings in warm eliminations.

A rather discordant chorus of female voices, added to the stunning and harsh grating sounds produced by the instruments in the band, constitute the only music.

a And when with none of those they meet,

“They dance to the echo of their feet.”

It would appear, that sound, without the slightest attention to harmony, delights these personages, for they are in no way annoyed, should the vibration of a drum even be destroyed by a fracture in the parchment. Their perambulations through the streets, are rendered profitable, by the generosity of the house-keepers and passengers, and the funds thus raised, are, as usual, expended in feasting and carousing. To relieve the chief actor in the scene, one of his attendants carries the house occasionally, and when it is considered that, his head is covered with false hair, weighing four or five pounds, and his face concealed by a mask, it will be readily admitted, said relief must prove both requisite, and acceptable in a meridian temperature, ranging between eighty and ninety degrees, not to mention, the constant and violent action, into which his whole frame is thrown.

## BAND OF THE "JAW-BONE JOHN-CANOE."

More primitive instruments in form, (to be styled musical) than those before us, could not well be conceived, and it must be admitted, they are in most excellent keeping with the musicians, whose appearance, clearly proves them, non-observers of the requisites to the outer-man.

The small square wooden frame, over which a goat's skin is tightly strained, is termed a "Gumbay," or "Box," or "Bench-drum," and by being briskly struck several times in quick succession with one hand, and once only with the other, produces a monotonous sound with but little vibration:—it is supported by a Bass-Drum: very unlike that in the band at the "Horse-Guards" in London, certainly, either in its tone, fashion, or the style in which it is played upon by the stately, and noble-looking Black, attached to the regiment. The tattered urchin who upholds the "Gumbay" in front, is by no means an exaggerated sketch, many such half-attired ramblers being daily seen in the streets of Kingston—indeed, female, as well as male negro children, and youths, who are not constantly about the persons of respectable house-keepers, seldom, or never wear but one article of dress.

The instrument from which the "John-Canoe" in the foregoing print derives his title (a novel mode of conferring distinction) is simply the lower jaw of a horse, on the teeth of which, a piece of wood is passed quickly up and down, occasioning a rattling noise!—this would not prove an inappropriate prelude, to the entrance of a gibbering spectre in some theatrical representation. It may be observed of these peripatetic orchestras that, they in general follow, instead of preceding, in the procession.

a Under the same denomination, the African Tribes have an instrument, perforated-shaped, and of great length, used also as a drum.

† To loosen the teeth, the Jaw is hung in the smoke for several days.

Drawn after nature, and on lines by J. M. Bellocq.

JAW-BONE, E-HOUSE JOHN CANOE

Kingston, St. Andrew, Jul. 1837

SKETCHES OF CHARACTER,

OF THE

NEGRO POPULATION,

IN THE

ISLAND OF JAMAICA,

Drawn from Nature, and in Lithography,

BY

I. M. BELISARIO.

"Nothing extenuate, nor set down aught in malice."

Price 5 To Subscribers ... £1 6 8 Per Number, Colored.
To Non-Subscribers ... 1 13 4

KINGSTON, JAMAICA :

SOLD ALSO BY MESSRS. JAMES WALLACE & CO.

MESSRS. SMITH & CLARK; MESSRS. JORDON & OSBORN; L. TREADWAY;
F. EGAN; AND MATTHEW HYMAN, PORT-MARIA.

1838.

“KOO, KOO,* OR ACTOR-BOY.”

Such is the strange title, by which this Aspirant to Histrionic honors is designated. Ten or twelve years back, several companies of these self-styled Performers, envious of each other's abilities, strolled through the streets, habited in varied costumes, considered by them however, as having been in strict accordance with the *characters* they were called upon to sustain—for be it known, they dared to per-petrate "murder most foul," even on the plays of Shakspeare.

Of late years, this class of *John-Canoe*† has found but little inducement for the exercise of his talent, wanting that grand stimulant to energy—Competition—candidates for *Dramatic* fame among his bre-thren, having gradually decreased in numbers, leaving the field open to a few only of these heroes of the *Stock and Buskin* who, from having once figured prominently in the *higher walks of their art*, now de-scend from their pedestals, and content themselves annually with the public exhibition of their finery, and the performance of certain unmeaning pantomimic actions, which are also repeated at private dwellings,—whereby they contrive to draw largely on the bounty of the parties inviting them.

In order to qualify themselves for the representations above alluded to, a negro who could *read*, and instruct them in committing their parts to memory, was pressed into the service for, the purpose—*that portion* of his Pupils' education, having been *unfortunately omitted*—a remunerating sum was paid him for the four or five weeks so occupied, previous to the Christmas Holidays, at which period, the effect of his labours was manifested to a wondering and admiring audience. "Richard the Third" was a fa-vorite Tragedy with them; but *selections* only were made from it, without paying the slightest regard to the *order* in which the "Bard of Avon" had deemed it proper to arrange his subject: Pizarro was also one of their Stock pieces; but whatever might have been the performance, a Combat and Death invariably en-sued, when a ludicrous contrast was produced between the smiling mask, and the actions of the dying man. At this Tragical point, there was always a general call for music—and dancing immediately com-menced—this proved too great a provocative usually to be resisted even by the slain, and he accordingly became resuscitated, and joined the merry throng. Scenery was of necessity dispensed with, from the removal of such appendage, proving extremely inconvenient to a Company strolling only from street to street.

If competitors for *Dramatic excellence* be wanting in the present day, the *vanity of excelling* in cost-liness of attire at least, has not expired, as may be annually seen, when a struggle for superiority in that re-spect amongst these "Actor Boys," takes place on the Parade, a large and much frequented thoroughfare in Kingston, near the immediate scene of business, or in front of one of the principal Taverns. Gentlemen who may be passing, are requested to decide which is the smartest dressed.

The majority of voices is considered definitive as by previous arrangement, and the individual thus distinguished, then retires " with all his blushing honors thick upon him :" *gratification of feeling alone* forming the prize gained on the occasion, and we may here enquire, what greater reward frequently awaits the achievement of exalted actions in higher life ?

* Through the kindness of a friend, we are enabled to furnish the following derivation of the term Koo-Koo. It appears that many years back, this John-Canoe performed in pantomimic actions only, consisting of supplications for food—as being demured by his empty stomach. At each request, an attendant chorus repeated "Koo-Koo," this was intended in imitation of the rumbling sound of the bowls, when in a kungry state.

† The term *John-Canoe* has had many derivations applied to it, amongst others, that it has arisen from the circumstance of negroes having formerly carried a house in a boat, or canoe; but it has perhaps more consistent to regard it, as a corruption of *Genes income*, signifying, "unknown folks," from their always wearing masks. We are strengthened in this opinion, by the frequent occurrence of foreign appellations, being attached to the various grades of people of colour, fruits, &c. in this Island.

The jealousy created by failure in the opposite party, is productive of serious broils when he encounters the more fortunate one—blows are exchanged, and other demonstrations of anger indulged in—these violent affrays prove expensive to the hot-headed combatants, in the total demolition frequently of their garments, for which they may have paid five Doubloons, equal to about £15 Sterling. Should these escape uninjured, they are disposed of after the holidays to the negroes in the Country, at a considerable loss, who apply them to the like purpose in the ensuing year. The Band consists of drums and fifes only, to which music the Actor stalks most majestically, oftentimes stopping to afford the by-standers a fair opportunity of gazing at him. In this position he is represented, with a whip and fan, the former is useful in clearing his path of intruders, and the latter proves serviceable in cooling his face, to effect which the mask is of necessity raised, as will be shewn in the succeeding print. A brief description of his extraordinary head-dress may not be altogether considered out of place.—The foundation of it is an old hat, affording the wearer the means of sustaining the superstructure, to which it is firmly attached, and composed of various colored beads, bugles, spangles, pieces of looking-glass, tinsel, &c. attached to a pasteboard form trimmed round the edges with silver lace, surmounted with feathers. The garments are of muslin, silk, satin, and ribbons.

The gayest and most glittering effect of all this finery, is produced at night, when by the light of candles, fixed on a large square frame of wood, supported by men, the hero of the scene being in the centre, parades the town, the enclosure acting as a protection to him against the pressure of the crowd from without. When these Christmas amusements were more in vogue, sums amounting to ten or twelve pounds per day, were collected by the Actors.

## KOO, KOO, OR ACTOR-BOY.

Having represented the gainer* of the prize in the preceding subject, we deem it due also to the less fortunate Candidate to have his place here—and at the same time to present an example of diversity in this description of Costume. Although defeated in his election—nothing daunted—he likewise has his band of musicians, and moreover, amasses means sufficient to enjoy his share of revelry—the invariable *finale* to all Christmas Amusements.

Little regard is paid usually to the uniformity of colour in the hair of which the wig is composed, provided the requisite quantity be procured, as is shewn in this instance, where raven locks are intermingled with dark brown. There is a trifling change annually in these dresses, yet in general character they differ but little.

* At Christmas 1836, when these John-Conors were drawn from life by the Author, with great attention to detail.

KOO, KOO, OR ACTOR-BOY.

LOVEY, alias LIVERPOOL.

Few residents in Kingston, we conceive, are wholly unacquainted with the tender name, at least, of this vender of *bouquets*; as a further introduction to the Reader, we annex his portrait, in which, it must be confessed, there exist no pretensions whatever to loveliness; yet, wanting as our quaint-looking model is in personal appearance, he still possesses sufficient tact to arrest the attention of the Fair admirers of flowers, and has, for the last thirty years, diligently, and successfully disposed of the produce of his Master's garden, situated in the vicinity of Kingston, in the cultivation of which he likewise assists. As a means of increasing his own store, he nightly dances two wooden puppets, facetiously styled by him, Captain and Mrs. Jones. A small gratuity from the public usually rewards him for such performance, which is accompanied with songs of his own composition; his receipts in more prosperous times, have frequently amounted to ten shillings per night.

It may be remarked in this instance, as of most of the other "Cries of Kingston," that an air of pleasure characterises his manner and tone of voice, differing widely from the doleful strain, and depressed figure of the same class of persons in England. The lightheartedness of the former may, in a great measure, be attributed to their firm reliance on receiving ample means of support at the hands of their Master; whilst the latter, are wholly dependent on their daily exertions to obtain food, which with many, furnishes but a precarious subsistence. The wants of a Negro in a tropical climate are few, and are supplied with facility in this our ever-productive, and beautiful Island, affording him decided advantages over his transatlantic brethren. But to return to the subject of our memoir.

Lovey is an apprentice, a native of Congo, in Africa, and about fifty-one years of age, he was there called " Kangga" but in 1803 was baptised here by a Catholic Priest, as Louis; for reasons only known to himself, he has however, for several years assumed the appellation of *Lovey.* He is a shrewd, intelligent, kind-hearted, and industrious fellow, and although no subscriber to the regulations of a " Temperance Society" enjoys such excellent health, as scarcely to have had five days' illness during the last twenty-seven years. Of good-living, he is remarkably fond, and seldom fails to gratify his taste in that respect, particularly when "Captain and Mrs. Jones's" benefit proves a *bumper*. His stock of pigs and poultry, in the rearing of which he takes great delight, forms a corps of reserve for the supply of this Epicure's feasts.

It is very certain, the establishment of Banks has not occasioned him any concern, since he rests satisfied with Mother Earth as a Banker, invariably burying his wealth, and drawing small sums as necessity demands. At the close of the year 1810, when on his return home at ten o'clock at night, he was waylaid by four ruffians, who brutally assaulted him, and stole his money-bag, containing that day's earnings, but not without a violent struggle on the part of Lovey; who received a severe wound in the neck, inflicted with a sharp instrument during the contest. Fortunately he was not far distant from his owner's residence, and his cries brought timely assistance to rescue him from his perilous situation—by good medical aid, and the kind care of the family, he was restored to health in a few months. To prevent a recurrence of the like disaster, he has ever since adopted so effectual a plan of concealment for his cash, as to elude the strictest search, and hence is enabled to convey it home in safety. We conclude with a characteristic anecdote, as reflecting credit also, on our merry and amusing hero.

* The name of Liverpool was given him by his Master, the motive for which does not appear.

WATER-JAR SELLERS.

Water, that grand refresher of animal life, is here rendered an object of the first consideration, more especially in domestic economy—from being unattainable for such purposes, by similar mechanical means to those adopted in the Mother Country, viz. Main and Service pipes*: hence the necessity of obtaining a regular supply by water-carts which traverse the City daily, or by servants, and other persons, so employed for hire, who, for many hours in succession, will carry it in pails on their heads,† a distance of a quarter of a mile. In Kingston there are Pumps in every street, and Wells in almost every yard, but so strongly are their waters impregnated with salt at the lower extremity of the City, (with few exceptions) as to be totally unfit for culinary uses—this quality becomes sensibly weakened as you approach the more elevated situations in its vicinity:—there, the saline taste is scarcely, if at all, perceptive.

Greater care and attention are requisite in the West Indies, to preserve this indispensable liquid in a pure state, than are called for in England, from the effect produced by a tropical climate in corrupting it, when suffered to remain undisturbed for any length of time,—proper arrangements are therefore made in every respectable house to guard against this evil: a spot selected on the ground-floor, or in the yard, having a northern aspect, for the fitting up of a small closet enclosed with lattice-work denominated a *water-pantry*, in which jars of large dimensions, serving as reservoirs, are deposited: over this important department in housewifery a trusty servant is placed, whose duty it is to superintend the cleansing, and replenishing the same.

When all impurities have been removed by filtration, smaller jars are then filled, and arranged in situations about the dwelling not exposed to the rays of the sun, to render their contents as cool as possible: this however is not perfectly effected till the decline of day, at which time, many Creoles are accustomed to indulge in a long draught, preferring the jar to a glass on such occasions: indeed a stranger is at first greatly surprised at the quantity of water drank by the natives, till a short residence only, has sufficed to shew him the necessity of thus allaying his thirst also. Some there are, both natives, as well as strangers, who pay their devotions to liquids stronger than *Aqua pura*; but the practice of gratifying one sense at the expence of others more important, has of late years much diminished—"O! that men should put an enemy in their mouths, to steal away their brains."—To a new comer the repeated call of "Boy bring a glass of cool water" appears an anomaly, when he finds said boy to be usually a *full grown man*—this is only to be reconciled on the principle we conceive that, "Men are but children of a larger growth"—the call is preceded by a sharp whistle from the *Major-domo*, ladies have a table-bell by which they summon domestics into their presence.

It may not be generally known to our readers, that we are not wholly indebted to Britain, or the Spanish Main for Water-jars—those in ordinary use are manufactured at Potteries near the City, and if they are not capable of producing vessels as tastefully moulded, or as fine in quality as those imported, their wares claim at least a decided preference in the porous nature of their surface, being

* The inhabitants of Palmouth, a town situated at the North of the Island, have enjoyed this advantage for several years, and the "Siligo Water-Works," now being established in Spanish-Town, the Seat of Government, furnishes another spirited example, worthy the imitation of the City of Kingston! who have hitherto, duly disgraced the benefits derivable from the *Ipe Bier* in their neighbourhood, which might be made subservient to this like purpose.

† This method of supporting heavy loads, or any light weight is familiar to the Negro; numerous instances of which will be given in illustration of the feet in dice course.

‡ Those will be again touched on at greater length, being the principal means by which fires are extinguished.