Performance of activism: examining the use of Saya by Afrobolivian social activists

For almost a century, the African descended populations of Bolivia have preserved an exclusive traditional musical art known as the Saya. The Saya, an art form rooted in African tradition, consists of singing and dancing and is considered by many as a significant treasure of Afrobolivian heritage. Primarily inhabiting the Yungas region of the Bolivian Department of La Paz, Afrobolivians have begun utilizing social movements in order to achieve specific sociopolitical goals put forth by their communities. In the interest of promulgating their social movement efforts, Afrobolivian activists are using the Saya as a vehicle for outreach. This thesis will argue that as a result of the Saya’s use in this way by Afrobolivian activists, the Saya has transformed from what was once only perceived as a customary aspect of Afrobolivian culture into a brazen symbol of the movement. This thesis will also examine the degree through which these outreach efforts are reaching young people.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Latin American Studies

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2016

Author dc:creator

• Burns, Dexter Mandela

Contributors dc:contributor

• Orta, Andrew

• Bolivia, Afrobolivia

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2016 Dexter Burns

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/92988

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/92988