Walking Tall: The Moko Jumbie Tradition
Episode #50 | Yisrael Petersen
Walking on stilts isn’t merely entertainment in the Caribbean—it’s a profound cultural tradition with deep roots in African heritage. Step into the towering world of the Moko Jumbi tradition with master culture bearer Yisrael Peterson. This Pulse of the Caribbean podcast features Yisrael Peterson, a dedicated culture bearer who has made it his life’s mission to preserve and promote the Moko Jumbi tradition of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The evolution of the Moko Jumbi tradition in the Virgin Islands has been preserved through dedicated practitioners. Peterson traces his lineage through mentors like Alvin Ali Paul. Before that, figures like John Magnus Farrell kept the tradition alive. Peterson explains how this Virgin Islands tradition connects to Africa.
Through Peterson’s dedicated work, this remarkable cultural tradition continues to walk tall for future generations. Listen to learn more about this Caribbean cultural tradition.
“Do good. Carry on the tradition that people have set before you in a manner that reflects them as a beautiful entity.”
Yisrael Peterson