Customer Reviews

Blue Roots: African-American Folk Magic of the Gullah People

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Written in the colloquial, narrative style that characterizes much of the writng of the South Carolina Low-Country, "Blue Roots" is a readable introduction to a culture and folk religious practice that has been a part of Southeastern low-country life since the first Afro-Americans were brought to it's shores as slaves. Pinckney is masterful in creating the mood and "feel" of the gullah culture with its unique personalities such as Dr. Bug, Dr Buzzard and J.E.McTeer, former High Sheriff, businessman and "root doctor." I met Mr. McTeer if the early 1970s while doing field research on the "root culture" around Beaufort, South Carolina and found him charming, complex and most astute with regard to his "practice." "I'm a poor-man's psychiatrist." he remarked "my clients don't trust regular doctors, so they come to me." On the other hand, he had no doubt as to the effectiveness of the "magic" he performed in a small roon adjoining his real estate office in downtown Beaufort. Those who want to look beneath the surface of this complex world may wish to explore the titles listed in Pinckney's bibliography including those titles by Puckett and Hyatt which, admittedly, does require some effort on the reader's part, but reveals fascinating details such as the strong probability that the use of the name "Dr. Buzzard" predates the individual mentioned in "Blue Roots." Pinckney's "Blue Roots", can, and should be seen as a excellent entry, much like the port city of Charleston is to South Carolina, into a incredible world that many pass by and without recognizing the complexity, beauty and magic contained therein.

Do you enjoy folklore? Are you interested in the Gullah people? Do you just want to read some spooky tales? If so, this is the book for you. Blue Roots explains how the Gullah got to SC and why they alone out all of black America have hung on to so much of their African culture. You will be chilled by stories of the dreaded plateye and the hag. You will read of Dr.Buzzard the greatest of the root doctors and how the High Sherrif of the Low Country brought him down. I especially appreciated the fact that the author showed a respect for the Gullah and their ways and
made no judgements.

Kimberley Wilson, author of 11 Things Mama Should Have Told You About Men

if you liked Midnight in the Garden of Good and evil, you'll love Blue Roots. The true story of Dr. Buzzard and his voodoo colleagues.

I've been a South Carolinian all my life and while in college @ SC State I developed an interest in the Geechee or Gullah culture. I researched several library collections for info documenting the life and folklore of the Sea Islands. After spending time down on several of the islands I realized how important this vanishing culture was to not only S. Carolina, but the US as well. I found Mr. Pickneys book by accident while just browing around in a book store. I read four pages and immediately knew I had to purchase it. This book is filled with some really good stories both true and folklore. He even covers Dr. Buzzard the famed root doctor that all blacks in SC have heard so many stories about. Buy it!!!!

Everything you ever wanted to know about the coastal people of the Carolinas that no one wants to tell you.Mysterious, makes you think and you can't help but want to know more. I Enjoyed every chapter, and chuckled when I found I could relate to "never pay back salt", and "never keep a crowing hen"

Being interested in the Gullah culture, I have read many books regarding the heritage and customs of the Gullah people. This book is one of the most interesting I have read. Mr. Pinckney has firsthand knowledge of the Gullah ways of life. He describes in detail and in an understanding manner the things he knows about "roots". He is very respectful in his writings of the Gullah people, which I found refreshing; but also is learned in the subject and conveys his knowledge without pity. This is a good read for anyone interested in the Gullah culture.

Blue Roots: African American Folk Magic of the Gullah People

This book is an okay read. One assertion by the author stood out for me though as possibly historical incorrect. On page 26 the author states "They were steeped in their culture and well educated in their prospective tribe's socio-religious traditions, primarily in the Ifa beliefs of the dominant Yoruba culture." I was with him until he said "primarily in the Ifa beliefs of the dominant Yoruba culture."

I only have basic knowledge, but no where have I read that the Yoruba had any significant influence on African American(United States) culture, and the Africans dominate religion was Ifa. I have not read that of the sea island Africans, nor the mainland Africans. The only influence I am aware the Yorubas to black American culture is in lower Mississippi. The Yoruba people, who are from Southwest Nigeria, were very small in number to the US.

The largest groups of Africans transported to the US were from the Bight of Biafra(25% - Igbo), Angola, Gold Coast(Akan), BaKongo, Senegambia. It is said that one out of every four black American has an Ibo ancestor. However, if I am wrong, I stand to be corrected, of course, with sources. I simply have not come upon his assertions in my readings regarding the Yoruba.

I suspect that the author is an Ifa worshipper and highly exaggerated