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THE RASTAFARIAN SISTERS "I
am black but comely as the tents of Kedar. as the curtains of Lolomon."
The camps were the foundation for acquiring knowledge of the Rastafarian philosophy. Although all the brethren were affiliated with individual cmps, some lived outside the camps with their wives of their queens. Behind the scene of activity were the daughters of Zion, the Rastafarian sisters, each resolute in defense of her kingman. Some of the daughters embraced the philosophy with fervor and zeal, while others were satisfied just to be with their kingmen. The sisters were a tower of strength in the daily activities on the camps. Among the domestic chores, they were also responsible for educating their children, because some brethren were against educating their children by the "Babylonian Methods." The daughters even assisted in confronting the police whenever they raided the camps. Some policemen were trigger happy and displayed forceful animosity towards the brethren, but were cautious and quiet when confronted by the daughters. The women were also needed to obtain bail for a brother who was incarcerated; usually for possession of ilee (marijuana). They knew how to use their feminine charm to persuade officers to drop the carges. Rastafarians' idrens had a hard time getting room and board for their families outside of the camps. To get around this, they would send the daughters to negotiate the rent or lease with the owner. If successful, the women and children would occupy the premises before the brother could make an appearance. Many times when the owners became aware of the situation they would give an immediate notice to vacate. At times, the women would lease a lot of land. The family of this property would then call the other brethren to assist them in erecting a wood house. This would incite a groundation to formally christen the premises. The Rastafarian sisters who frequented the camps in the late 1940's and the 1950's were from various areas. The sisters from Slip Dock Road, Count Ossie's first camp, were Sisters Pam, Shirley 'Needle', Jennie, Katherine, and brother Lover's queen with the beard, Sister Daphne. Queen Baby I from Ackee Walk and Sister Puncee from Clarendon were on the scene. The daughters from Ghost Town were Sisters Dell, Angie, Joyce, Gloria and Madgi. From Count Ossie's relocated camp at Rennock Lodge came Sisters Sweeny, Daphne, Joyce, Dotty, Baby Lov, Mary and Sister Consie. The Poker Flat crew were Mother Julie, sisters Tiny, Wilda, Blossom, Barbara, Maudie, Cynthia, Madge, Winnie, Queenie from Mountain View, Red Top and Joyce from Tower Street. From Glaspole Avenue in Warieka Hills included Sisters Shuggus, Sissie Maybel, Daisy, Big Cynthia, Panzie, Popsie, Mother Theresa, Margaritta, Ruby Juvenile, and Audrey. There were many other Rasta Sister, however these women were pioneers and supported the culture with vigor. The socio-economical conditions of Jamaica during the 1950's were designed to oppress the Jamaican of African descent. As a result, this stimulated the growth of the Rastafarian movement. The younger generation were looking for an alternative life style to that of their parents. The root of the Rastafarian life style was to embrace and promote the African culture. The organization of the camps were modern renditions of the villages in the mother land. The brethren's attire was the dashiki, which they thought was more suitable for the Caribbean climate. The sisters in their own right, were trend setters. Rastafarians believed that women should exude their femininity at all times. The sisters weren't encouraged to wear pants, make-up or straighten their hair. To accenturate their looks without indulging in the Babylonian standard of beauty, they adorned themselves with head raps, long skirts or dresses made from colorful kente cloth. Many women would sport low hair, which during this time in Jamaica was not an acceptable look for the populace. The constant images of the Rastafarian sistren reenforced the beauty of black women in the Jamaican society. Great Evidence of this was in the reggae music. Black women were referred to as African Queens. They were praised for their natural unspoiled beauty. The society was being remolded. A woman's beauty was no longer measured by the European stardard. Because of political circumstances and prejudice toward the Rastafarian man, it was easier for the women to gain employment. Many sisters became the main bredwinner in the family. The sisters from the rural areas would teach the brothers how to cultivate crops to sell at the market. Other sisters would weave tams, hats and mats from wool and straw to gain income. A few of the women were performers. Sister Margarita wa an outstanding singer and dancer. Sisters Shuggus and Maudie were dancers with Count Ossie and The African Drums.
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