Subject: [Folklore] Graman Quacy [1770]
Article:

Maroon names such as Quacy (a male child born on Sunday) can be traced to Ghana in Africa [1]. Graman Quacy was the most celebrated magician in Suriname. he was born in Africa and (1770) was about 70 years old. He was a witch doctor. His prophesies would come true and he was able to point out who was a thief and who was innocent. Plantation managers would call on him when a crime was committed to have Graman Quacy discover the culprits. he was well paid for his services. He accumulated enough money and with his good name he could buy his freedom. He moved to Paramaribo to set up an office for the detection of criminals. In addition, he had also a medical practise where he would sell a root called 'Quaciae bitter' for fevers. He was an African wizard who was in touch with the ancestrol spirits and Gods. No one would go on a trip into the jungle or into battle without buying first an amulet from him. The 'Black Rangers' were his customers and often consulted him or came to buy an amulet. Thus one credit the bravery of the Black Rangers to his amulet. Graman Quacy was even sent to The Hague for an audience with the Prince of Orange. Quacy was instructed by Col Fourgeod (Military commander in Suriname) what to tell the Prince about the col such as his virtues, moral principles and devotion to duty and public service. The records do not show how much Graman Quacy was paid for doing a favor for the Colonel or the expenses of the trip. The visit was a great success. The Prince of Orange gave Quacy a gold laced coat, hat with a white feather. a gold medal, a gold-headed cane and a couple cases of good wine for his services rendered to his community in Suriname. A print of Graman Quacy in his royal outfit appears in the book 'Soldier in Paradise'. Graman Quacy returned from Holland and wore his new clothes permanently. Quacy claimed that thanks to him a law was passed in Holland that any slave brought to Holland would be granted freedom after six months. This achievement raised his reputation even more among his people.


Met dank aan Albert Buys ~~~~~~~~








Met dank aan Albert Buys