Griqua hymnody: a musical ethnography of Griqua identity through song

[摘要] English: The study presents the hymnodic practises of the Griqua community belonging to theKranshoek based Griqua Independent Church. The research traces the history of theGriqua and their hymns from eighteenth century missionaries until the spiritual andpolitical work of A.A.S. Le Fleur I in the twentieth century. Issues regarding Griquaidentity and the effects of colonisation and apartheid are highlighted and placedwithin the current South African context. The research and fieldwork furtherdemonstrate that hymnody becomes the manner in which the Griqua communityperform their identity as a marginalised community in South Africa. Ethnographicnarratives illustrate the true nature of the Griqua hymn as well as the profound effectit has on the communal and personal lives of this community. The distinctiveperformance practice of these hymns referred to by the Griqua community as lof,played a pivotal part in the formation and sustaining of the twentieth century Griquaethnic identity and remains a marker of Griqua identity for the followers of Le Fleurtoday. The study furthermore investigates the role hymnody fulfils in the everydaylives of members as well as the manner in which it attracts new members and retainsthe Griqua youth. The musical ethnography utilized in this study positions Griquahymnody as a unique South African expressive culture.

[发布机构] University of the Free State