This image is from Laura Wood's The Thinking Housewife (via the Daily Mail) showing "African" dancers in Canterbury Cathedral, as the new head of the Church of England was being "enthroned." I've circled some of the interesting elements. I'm looking for the names of the "dignitaries" I've circled, but this commentary works without knowing who they are (it is sufficient to know that they are important representatives).
1. Indignantly crossed arms. Perhaps he realizes the incongruity, and even the blasphemy, of the African war dance in an English cathedral, commemorating such an important occasion.
2. Looking fascinated by the spectacle. Stands casually and relaxed to better observe the spectacle. Nothing holy going on here.
3. A little more indignant, and disapproving. The lowered chin says it all.
4. The procession led by a woman. Justin Welby with a piously bent head. Is this how he stands before the female archdeacon who presided over the ceremony?
The newly enthroned Archbishop of Canterbury, looking intimidated
before the direct glare of the Archdeacon Sheila Watson
5. The African guests, and some of the women, look comfortable, without the surprised/fascinated/indignant expressions.
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I've watched African dance (from Zimbabwe) which looks very similar to this. What I watched was really a reenactment for tourists. The fierce, energetic dance was a war dance. The men came out with swords and shields, and performed intimidating and impressive steps, leaping and jumping to a drum beat. They filled the small circular arena with their loud grants, approaching the tourist spectators with glares. We were the enemy they were warding off.
The polka-dot pants of the cathedral performers are a variation on European appropriation. Probably these normally half-naked dancers couldn't enter Canterbury Cathedral without some degree of body coverage. Modesty still raises its head once in a while, even in pagan ceremonies.
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Posted By: Kidist P. Asrat