Afro Cuba: La Tumba Francesa

The mix of ethnical groups in Cuba, brought to the island unique cultural legacies like the "Tumba Francesa", a dance that emerged in the eighteenth century. It combines music from West Africa and traditional French music. The word "Tumba" derives from "tambours", which is French for drums. It is an Haitian drumming style with a very vibrant and exciting sound, often accompanied by trumpets and usually played by Cuban bands. The attire of the dancers is colorful and flamboyant.

During the revolution of Haiti in 1791, many French landowners fled to Cuba with their slaves. Several of them looked for shelter in the east side of Cuba, mainly in the areas of Santiago de Cuba and Guantanamo, as well as other towns located in the center of the Island such as Cienfuegos and Matanzas.

Contrary to the common treat of the slaves, the French inmigrants had a more human approach to their workers, diminishing punishments and allowing them to the practice their Haitian traditions, especially to perform their dances and enjoy their festivities, and even giving them the possibility to “buy their freedom”.

As a result of this athmosphere of camaraderie between slaves and owners, the Tumba Francesa was conceived. Black dancers using the Patois or Creole language, would imitate the versallesque style and dance of their French masters. These encouraged them by allowing the use of elegant suits, silk handkerchiefs, embroidered gowns, necklaces and earrings.

The Tumba Francesa distinguishes among other African dances for the attire used by performers and the way they dance, with movments similar to a ball coreography, where men an women dance smoothly and eleganty, without lifting up the feet from the ground. The style is discrete and gracefull.

Many of the slaves who obtained their freedom founded different communities, called "societies". One of the most famous was established in February 24th, 1862 with the name of Sociedad de Tumba Francesa Lafayette, in honor to the French general. In 1905 it change name to Sociedad de Tumba Francesa Caridad de Oriente.

The word "Tumba" is means “rejoice or celebration” in the Bantu language. In Cuba the playing of drums is known as Tumba. Songs and dances in minué style, with a refined touch of the French blacks were developed in small towns.

Today, the Tumba Francesa is preserved by the seventh generation, formed by many young men and women. The society that stands solid in the historic area of Santiago was declared Masterpiece of the Oral and Immaterial Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO in November 2003. The award was handed to the society on July 9th, 2004, as part of the celebration of the 25th edition of the Caribbean Festival, that is held traditionally in Santiago de Cuba.

Source: www.soycubano.com.