The Gullah People and Their African Heritage

The Gullah people are one of our most distinctive cultural groups. Isolated off the South Carolina - Georgia coast for nearly three centuries, the native black population of the Sea Islands has developed a vibrant way of life that remains, in many ways, as African as it is American. This volume tells a multifaceted story of this venerable society, emphasizing its roots in Africa, its unique imprint on America, and current threats to its survival. William S. Pollitzer discusses aspects of Gullah history and culture such as language, religion, family and social relationships, music, folklore, trades and skills, and arts and crafts. Pollitzer also presents a wealth of biological data that not only underscores ongoing health challenges to the Gullah people but also helps to highlight their complex ties to various African peoples. Drawing on fields from archaeology and anthropology to linguistics and medicine, ""The Gullah People and Their African Heritage"" celebrates a remarkable people and calls on us to help protect their irreplaceable culture.