Burrowes, Marcia P. A. (2000) History and cultural identity : Barbadian space and the legacy of empire. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This thesis explores issues surrounding Barbadian cultural identity in the post-colonial
period. Emphasis is placed on the role of history in constructing cultural identity.
Beginning with the debate involving the Lord Nelson statue which stands in the capital of
Barbados, the question of negotiating post-colonial space is closely examined in the three
case studies that form the body of the research. These are based on evidence gathered
from both archival and secondary sources, as well as personal interviews. The case
studies review the following: the history of the usage of the 'Little England' motto and its
renewed use in the post-colonial period; the historical development of the community
group known as the Landship, whose trademark is to wear naval livery and dance their
naval manoeuvres during their parades; the history of the Harvest Home/Crop Over
festival of the slavery and post-slavery periods, as well as the history of the modern street
festival that it has become. The thesis argues that elements of the colonial discourse gain
new life in the post-colonial period because of the struggle between the colonial narrative
of History and the emerging new histories. It proposes that in this Barbados example, the
performance culture has provided new grounds for advancing the process of
decolonisation.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	C Auxiliary Sciences of History > CB History of civilization F History United States, Canada, Latin America > F1201 Latin America (General)
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Barbados -- History -- 20th century, Barbados -- Civilization -- 20th century, Decolonization -- Barbados, Nationalism -- Barbados
Official Date:	February 2000
Dates:	Date Event February 2000 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Centre for Translation and Comparative Cultural Studies
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Dabydeen, David ; Gilmore, John, 1956- ; Inglis, Fred
Extent:	xiii, 286 leaves
Language:	eng

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