Performance of activism: examining the use of Saya by Afrobolivian social activists

Burns, Dexter Mandela

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Description

Title

Performance of activism: examining the use of Saya by Afrobolivian social activists

Author(s)

Burns, Dexter Mandela

Issue Date

2016-07-21

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Orta, Andrew

Department of Study

Latin American & Carib Studies

Discipline

Latin American Studies

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.A.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

Bolivia, Afrobolivia

Abstract

For almost a century, the African descended populations of Bolivia have preserved an exclusive traditional musical art known as the Saya. The Saya, an art form rooted in African tradition, consists of singing and dancing and is considered by many as a significant treasure of Afrobolivian heritage. Primarily inhabiting the Yungas region of the Bolivian Department of La Paz, Afrobolivians have begun utilizing social movements in order to achieve specific sociopolitical goals put forth by their communities. In the interest of promulgating their social movement efforts, Afrobolivian activists are using the Saya as a vehicle for outreach. This thesis will argue that as a result of the Saya’s use in this way by Afrobolivian activists, the Saya has transformed from what was once only perceived as a customary aspect of Afrobolivian culture into a brazen symbol of the movement. This thesis will also examine the degree through which these outreach efforts are reaching young people.

Graduation Semester

2016-08

Type of Resource

text

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/92988

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2016 Dexter Burns

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