Identifier

etd-07092008-223941

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Geography and Anthropology

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

This research explores the unique process of creolization that occurred in Southern Louisiana through the development of the figure of San Maló over time. His transformation from historic rebel to religious icon takes place through the devices of folklore, poetry, and song. This developmental process of a culture redefining its heroes through oral tradition represents the dynamism of creolization. The transformative process of San Maló serves as an exemplary representation of how a culture negotiates its own history with what is deemed necessary and beneficial to the culture’s survival. All information on this transformation was gathered through historic research and personal interviews with members of the Voodoo faith community and scholars in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The intention of this project is to celebrate the African-American oral tradition and its unique existence and transformation in Southern Louisiana from the colonial era to contemporary Creole society.

Date

2008

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Helen Regis

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.2729

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