Moko jumbies at dockside, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The eye-catching art of stilt dancing came to the Caribbean with enslaved West Africans, who brought their indigenous religions, folklore and festivities from home. In African villages, the 'moko' was the spiritual guardian and healer, towering high enough to reach any evil spirits and drive them away. Jumbies groove to the rhythm of African drums with lively choreography that combines dancing and acrobatics. © JAOS, 2014
