Between everyday life and exception: celebrating Pope Hennessy Day in Freetown, 1872-c. 1905

Author: Goerg O.

Source: Journal of African Cultural Studies, Volume 15, Number 1, 1 June 2002 , pp. 119-131(13)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

This article studies a specific festival organized in Freetown from 1872 to the beginning of the twentieth century - Pope Hennessy Day. Started as a tribute to Governor Pope Hennessy at the time of the abolition of unpopular taxes, it continued to be celebrated as both a commemoration and a way of affirming some kind of autonomy vis-à-vis the colonial power. Although by nature festivals are not part of everyday life they have an impact on it, because they affect social relationships in general or because they are the pivotal point around which the year is organized by focusing people"s energies through the required preparation. In this respect, by studying Pope Hennessy Day more general questions can be addressed concerning the relationship between popular culture and elite culture, between Krio culture and British heritage, as well as questions relating to the integration of the festival into people"s lives and its meaning. Furthermore, the article raises issues relating to political expression and opportunities for leisure.

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2002-06-01

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