About Nanny of the Maroons
Country of Birth
Ghana, West Africa (according to legend)
Industry
Military
Top achievements
Nanny of the Maroons was a revolutionary woman who led a community of enslaved Africans to freedom in the 18th century. As the leader of the Windward Maroons in the Colony of Jamaica, she was instrumental in the First Maroon War, a guerilla war against the British authorities.
Also known as Granny Nanny and Queen Nanny, Nanny of the Maroons’ accomplishments were so monumental that folklore paints her more as a superhuman and mythical character than a historical figure. According to historical accounts, she was the person who successfully united all the maroons of Jamaica, leading them to refuse slavery.
Early life
Legends say that Nanny of the Maroons was born in Ghana, West Africa, in 1686 to the Akan people. Various folklore tales speculate on her early life and how she arrived in Jamaica. According to one story, Nanny of the Maroons was a free woman with her own slaves. In another, she escaped slavery on her way to Jamaica. Most accounts maintain that she was a free woman who stood up for those who were not.
Some stories state she was married to a man named Adou but had no surviving children. However, relatives of John Agard, the Afro-Guyanese playwright and poet, claim to be descendants of Nanny of the Maroons.
Career
At the start of the 18th century, Nanny of the Maroons was appointed as the leader of the Windward Maroons. She soon became known as an exceptional military commander and a symbol of strength and unity for her people as they navigated times of crisis.
The First Maroon War
From 1720 to 1739, there was a fierce battle between the British and the Maroons. Legends and historical accounts refer to Nanny of the Maroons as a small, wiry woman with piercing eyes who used guerilla warfare and strategies, such as traps, to confuse her opponents and instill surprise and fear. Her efforts kept the British troops from penetrating the mountains and overpowering her people.
Nanny of the Maroons’ innovative military tactics and influence over her people seemed supernatural. This led to rumors that she harnessed the power of Obeah – an invincible man who could wake the dead, cure all disease and harm anyone he wished.
Achievements
Nanny of the Maroons’ most remarkable achievement was her fierce refusal to accept oppression. She successfully evaded capture for many years, even during the height of the British effort to exterminate her from 1730 to 1734.
Besides being a powerful and influential military leader, Nanny of the Maroons was the village’s wise woman, or chieftainess. As such, she encouraged customs and traditions like music and songs from Africa to instill pride and confidence in her people.
Recognition
Nanny of the Maroons was named a National Hero of Jamaica in 1976.
Additional facts
- According to legend, the Maroon spirit continues to sustain African people and their ability and willingness to revolt against all forms of oppression.
- After 83 years of armed conflict between the British authorities and the Maroons, a Peace Treaty was signed. Rumor states that Nanny of the Maroons was not happy with this. She demanded absolute and complete freedom for her people.
