THE tradition of the Bermuda Gombey is a very old one. Slaves who were allowed to gather on holidays, especially Christmas, started Gombey dancing. In 1761 they were banned from gathering for fear of revolt.

This ban did not last and the tradition of dancing was continued. A written account of such dancing appears in Suzette Lloyd's Sketches of Bermuda which was published circa 1829. Bermuda's Gombeys have evolved from several influences:

|0x95| They are of African origin the word "gombey" is Bantu meaning "rhythm".

|0x95| Their costumes are strongly influenced by American Indian culture Gombey dancers carry tomahawks, bows and arrows and wear peacock feathers in their hats.

|0x95| The covering of their faces comes from the "Mummers". The beating of the drums with sticks, and not their hands, is a British military influence.

There is a hierarchal structure in the Gombey "troop". The "Captain" leads the dance; he carries a whip and a whistle. His cape is the only one with bits of mirror and ribbons fixed to it.

The "Wild Indian" carries a bow and arrow. The "Trapper" carries a rope. The "Chiefs" carry tomahawks and shields while the "Warriors" carry small hatchets.

Historically the dancers also danced plays such as "Daniel in the Lion's Den". In modern troops the dancing mainly consists of solos and dueling between the troops.

The number of troops has declined through the years although it is possible to see them perform several times a year. Gombeys take part in the May 24 th Parade, at Harbour Nights and other special events, and they normally roam Bermuda neighbourhoods on Christmas and Boxing Day.