From the wombs of our motherland comes an ancient stilt –walking tradition that refuses to die. We refer to these towering souls as “Mocko Jumbies”- without them, Festival celebrations would not be the same and the spirit of our ancestors would not find peace.

Roberto Harrigan: on stilts at last year’s street parade during festival

Harrigan, who came to live with his grandparents in North Sound Virgin Gorda, unknown to this culture, was enlightened during his final studies at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), where he did a course in computer science.

During this stint, he was introduced to the stilt-walking technique at one of the many practicing sessions held on the grounds of then BVI High School.

“I decided to give it a try, since then its history. I picked up the training and dancing within an hour, while others spent days trying to balance,” he boasted.

He quickly learned the art and developed his own flare with the help of Andrew ‘Charlie’ Turnbull, Brian ‘Bash’ Brewley, Kendoy ‘Reds’ Penn (deceased), “Pill and Bringy” and Oliver Roberts, all of who he still recognizes.

It is not certain when the art originated or from which specific Ghana tribe in West Africa it was borrowed from. But unknown to most of the Caribbean, reports suggest that the art surfaced in the early 1930's and was introduced by a man known as Willie Peepup. It then surfaced in the Virgin Islands around 1952, when the Island of St. Thomas, one of three islands that is part of the United States Virgin Islands had its first carnival. It was introduced to the island by Mr. John Magnus Farrell and Mr. Alfred Richardson, who brought along with them the attire of the African stilt walkers in Africa, that of a female dress adaptation costume and the Kan-Kan. In 1963, a young man by the name of Ali J. Paul exploited the art of stilt walking and it has since evolved into what is known today.

The Island’s Mocko Jumbies were renamed in 2003, as the BVI Elite Sky Dancers, where much fame and recognition aroused through their many road marches here and abroad. A clearly disappointed Harrigan expressed his concern about the little support Mocko Jumbies received throughout the years from the Festival Committee and the Tourist Board, when compared to other cultural groups “who are more featured.”

During the past years, Harrigan has adopted this ancient tradition and continues to represent the Virgin Islands in many parades and talent arenas in different parts of the world. Harrigan has since emerged to be the leader and founder of the BVI Optimum and Devoted Sky Dancers, the newest added sensation in stilt-walking.

The group consisting of seven members, was formed in January of this year, and was featured last month at its launching during the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York, where they represented the Territory.

The newly formed stilt group is presently undergoing many hours of practice in anticipation of this year’s Festival activities scheduled in August.

With a clear background of ancestral movement and a love for the ancient African tradition, Harrigan introduced his stilt-walking skills to his homeland and also in India, where he received first prize competing in a talent segment with over 60 contestants at the Mr. Grasim International Pageant.

On stilts that ranged from 3 ½ to 10 feet high, the costumes that accompany the slender- built characters are brightly colored outfits designed by Harrigan or members of the group. The designs are then patterned and passed on to Harrigan’s tailor out of Dominica who is flown-in three weeks prior to an event.

“It’s quite an experience, very impressive, it feels different up so high, people want to take pictures with you. Everyone pays attention with you so high, with all the other troops on the ground,” he exclaimed.

Harrigan recalled each moment he strutted as an accident-free except, but also vividly remembers the two occasions when his stilts broken leaving him with minor injuries. Despite the hard job of maintaining a good balance, he embraced each moment and the fact of not having to encounter “scary Jumbies” or the “spirit world” with whom our ancestors endured as told in folklore

Harrigan disclosed that he had walked for miles in parades, with an estimated journey from East End to West End Tortola. “Here is different, unlike in the (United) States, you have people walking through the parade taking pictures hitting the sticks,” he added.

The 28 year-old who is employed with the K-9 Unit at the Customs Department, said he will continue to carry on this African tradition as long as he has the “power and will”.

“As long as I have my two legs”, he said laughing and expressing his love for his African connections.

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