Slavery Storyteller Cabin		- Gullah Cultural ties with Africa are scattered throughtout the Sea Islands, especially on Sapelo Island, where several descendants of West African slaves live in the tiny community of Hog Hammock. Some speak a unique Creole language known as "Gullah," which developed from the slaves communicating secretly across the islands. Because of their relative isolation from the mainland, the Gullah people have preserved West African customs, craft techniques and storytelling for future generations. Despite their predicament, the slaves were able to preserve and expand upon many of their African traditions. Besides the Gullah language mentioned above, the more notable traditions involved death and the afterlife. The slaves would often speak about spirits from Africa, which they called "h'ants" or "fixuhs," coming to visit their homes. To protect themselves from the bad "h'ants," they would often paint a blue ring around their doorways. Some slaves could detect these spirits better than others, especially babies who were born with a special "caul," or membrane, over their eyes that enabled them to see ghosts. Naturally, most of the plantation owners dismissed the slaves' beliefs. The slaves also had unique burial customs, some of which can still be seen on Sapelo Island. When a relative died, his or her body couldn't be removed from the house until the preacher said a few words. After burial, the graves were kept mounded by members of the family. Favorite and symbolic objects of the deceased were placed on or around the headstone, which was kept clean and shiny to attract protective African gods. As a sign of daily recognition of their ancestors, the slaves would pour libations on the ground - a tradition that can be seen in one form or another throughout the African-American community today. On the outside, it seems that little has changed for the African-American Sea Island communities since the early postwar days. Many families continue to live in low income housing, and opportunities are scarce. As a result, the steady migration toward the large cities has continued, leaving an aging population to subsist on the islands. Surrounding lands are slowly being gobbled up by largely white-owned beach resorts, educational facilities and preserves. But for the time being at least, the shared wealth of these island communities is in their memories and traditions. Because of their isolation, islands such as Sapelo serve as virtual time capsules from another era. Practically nowhere else in the country are everyday West African traditions more readily on display. It is hoped that, by returning to these islands, African-Americans will, at least in spirit, keep their connection to the Motherland alive.
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