KAFFIRS IN SRI LANKA
so even to this day one could recognize a Lankan Kaffir from their much darker complexion, tightly curled hair with a different texture unlike the Asians, and from their non Asian physiognomy with some striking features such as broad face with thick lips. Moreover, the Sri Lankan Kaffir women clad in ‘Ja hatte’ (Javanese blouse) and wrap the sarong tightly around their waists while the men are often spotted in either the Batik or checkered sarong which were introduced to the Island by the Sri Lankan Malays. The generations gone by spoke a Portuguese Creole, and practiced unique traditions and culture, and were known for their tribal beliefs. The Portuguese Creole which they spoke is now extinct.There are only few words that are used in Kaffir households. Though Portuguese dialect has lost its place as the mother tongue amongst Kaffirs, it has survived to this day in the form of music. The Kaffirs are credited to have introduced Baila, a unique genre of music and the term ‘Baila/ Bayila’ is derived from the Portuguese word ‘bailar’ meaning ‘to dance’. The Kaffirs identify their music either as ‘Manja’ or ‘Kaffiringa’ and for over many centuries they have used their traditional yet simple musical instruments such as ‘Rabana’ or drum, yak bera and coconut shells when performing ‘Bayila’. The beating of drums 64 | THE PROMOTA
expresses the mood of the Kaffir people and the most widely used musical instrument in ‘Manja’ is the human voice. Moreover, they are known for their Baila dance. It is noteworthy that during festivities the Kaffir ladies clad in their colourful Portuguese era gowns would dance with crooked knees, stamping their feet, twisting their waists and hips, and shuffling their moves but there is no regular pattern or technique when performing ‘Bayila’. They form a close-knit community and are found spread across the entire nation in regions like Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Negombo and Puttalam or Sirambiadiya which has been their stronghold for many centuries. Today they number less than 1000 individuals and are categorized as a critically endangered community in Sri Lanka. Like the Portuguese Burghers, they do have distinctive patronymics that trace Portuguese origins. Even to this day they continue the use of Portuguese sounding Catholic names while some use Dutch or English names.
historians have focused on creating awareness concerning this long forgotten community in Sri Lanka. Their Portuguese Creole is unfortunately on the brink of extinction with a handful of elderly ladies who could remember only a few words and phrases. The Kaffir music is at present a much sought after music genre amongst music enthusiasts in Sri Lanka and abroad. Since recent years many Kaffir groups have started performing at public events and have thus received greater reception in the Lankan society. It is interesting to note that the Sri Lankan Kaffirs are the lost cousins of Indian Seedi/ Sheedis and Pakistani Makranis, the ethnic minorities that claim African descent in South Asia while the Maldivians are of mixed Asian and African lineage. The Kaffirs have already lost many elements of their culture and they have through the years adopted Sri Lankan cuisine, religious faiths and languages. If there is no proper conservation and cultural awareness this shrinking minority will soon run extinct. This vibrant community is definitely an integral entity which helps portray the multiculturalism in Sri Lanka. by Tuan.M. Zameer Careem
Since recent years, many lithographers and ethnowww.thepromota.co.uk