To look at this sweet-faced rasta, the name "Bongles" doesn't immediately come to mind. Particularly since the word "bongles" is not in my vocabulary.
Ok, in patois maybe "bongles" is a substitute for "bundles." Still. I'm just sayin. Bundles? Bundles of WHAT?
Oh. Ok. Maybe I shouldn't ask.
I read once that a Jamaican's Original Name, the name 'pon de berf SUR-fi-ticket (birth certificate) is a tiny treasure that is locked up after the day it is given, as if in a precious box, rarely to be seen again. Maybe not until the next rite of passage such as a graduation or a marriage.
Or even death.
On those special occasions, the box is opened and the name is gingerly extracted for a few hours and then quickly put away again. For the rest of your days, all manner of names are worn, either like a pair of comfortable shoes that last and last and last. Or like a closetful of cloaks, which change with the weather.
I know a
Bigga Ford -- something to do with a vehicle, seriously.
Tikka Chest -- has a thick, stout torso.
Trote -- has a large goiter upon his throat.
Bumpy -- yes, has a large, continually-growing bump on his forehead.
Reggie (original name "Cleveland") -- for a kinship with the role of Eddie Murphy in 48 Hours.
Scatta Shot -- a tendency to bounce quickly from place to place, not necessarily with any intention to do so.
Junior -- I must know two dozen "Juniors".
Scallion -- he's quite skinny.
Revvy -- something to do with a decidedly NON-pastor like existence.
Rough -- he could sleep on a 6-foot 2 x 4, set upon two piles of bricks and be quite comfortable. And if he dropped to the ground, he'd keep on sleeping.
Blacka -- skin dark like the night.
You get the idea. You are who you are.
I could go on and on. Even to include one of my mother-in-law's yard pupppies. Can't recall what, if any, name it was given at birth, but after it was stolen by a neighbor and Miss Una had to pay a ransom of one Jamaican dollar and fifty cents to get her back, well, you know the rest.
Th dog is forever known as "Dollah Fifty".
2 comments:
I meant to write a comment this morning when I posted my blog, but I got sidetracked. I was able to bring up a few more pictures on your site with this second visit, but I am still not getting all of your paintings. Such is life on the farm.
I am just loving and enjoying your work. I will definitely be back. Thanks for the inspiration and smiles your work and words have brought me.
You weave a rich tale, I enjoy your people so much, have to go now but am coming back for some more amazionian stories
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