The Boboshantis

I saw many symbols reflected in this video on the Boboshanti people of the Jamaican Mountains. They identify themselves as African children and the most obvious of symbols is their clothing. The Bobshanti wear the Rastafarian colors, and red turbans. Some symbols: The turbans are worn as crowns; they created signs to represent their beliefs; they pray three times a day; and they keep a “fire of light” at the top of the mountain. In some of the areas, the Boboshanti’s have no electricity or water, but their preparation for their pilgrimage is more important to them.

This version of Rastafarian life is no different than what Marley sings about. The Boboshanti's are similar to most religions in which you often have the people who are more spiritually developed and prepare for their pilgrimage. Marley sings about the spiritual development of the people in some songs, but his more popular songs focus around societal issues. For example: Redemption song by Bob Marley relates to the Boboshanti’s. Marley refers to redemption song as “these songs of freedom.” Most of the lyrics in this song represent what the Boboshanti’s are all about. For example: “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds” (Redemption song, Bob Marley) The Boboshanti’s seek redemption to renew themselves spiritually, mentally and physically. A Boboshanti by the name of “Ancient” mentioned in the video that he wants to be born again and redeem himself.