The abeng is believed to be an Akan word meaning “horn”. The abeng is the horn of an animal or a wind musical instrument, which is blown to produce a variety of sounds, and is used for communication. The abeng was like the African talking drum, and was used to carry a vast amount of information, through various sounds over distances. It is one of the traditions that our ancestors brought from Africa where it is also still in use as a means of message communication. The horn is blown by putting the lips to a hole in the concave side and working the thumb over a small the hole in the tip to produce variations in tone. The horn - blower would inform the others, for instance, about the direction of approach of the British and how they were armed. Similarly, directions regarding Maroon strategies would be given on the abeng by the chief of operations. Once the alarm was sounded everyone knew what to do.

Additionally, Maroons have a regular code of signals for the Abeng which is never divulged to any but their own people. This vital instrument would convey complex sets of information, over long distances, without the enemy being able to understand what was being said. It was a major element that helped determine the victory of the Maroons over the British. Nanny of the Maroons was credited by Maroons authorities, for taking advantage of the Abeng as a tool in warfare. In early Maroon history, the abeng was recognised as the war cry instrument, but in contemporary times it is utilized to call the Maroons together for township meetings, celebrations, elections or emergencies. The Abeng is yet another example of the persistence of African culture in the New World. As with other African elements in their culture, Maroons revere the abeng, this instrument being of spiritual import to them because of its African heritage and also the significant role it played in defeating the British in battle after battle. The abeng is also a symbol of Maroon resistance and remains today as part of the cultural paraphernalia of the Maroons. Scholars and members of the Maroon community alike refer to the abeng as an official “instrument”; primarily because it is African derived and is used in traditional ceremonies. Although, most Maroons no longer understand messages sounded on the abeng, the ability to play the instrument is highly regarded in Maroon culture.

• Agorsah, Kofi (ed.) Maroon Heritage: Archaeological and Ethnographic and Historical Perspectives. Kingston: Canoe Press, 1994.
• Carey, Bev. The Maroon Story : The Authentic and original History of the Maroons in Jamaica 1490 – 1880. St. Andrew, Jamaica: Agouti Press, 1997
• Djedje, Jacqueline Cogdell, “Remembering Kojo: History, Music and Gender in January Sixth Celebration of the Jamaican Accompong Maroons” Black Music Research Journal vol. 18, nos. 1-2 (1998) 67 -120
• Gottlieb, Karla. The Mother of Us All: A History of Queen Nanny Leader of the Windward Jamaican Maroons. Trenton, New Jersey: Africa World Press, 2000.
• Senior, Olive. Encyclopedia of Jamaican Heritage. St Andrew: Twin Guinep Publishers Ltd. 2003.

Click here to visit the African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica's website For further information please contact: African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica/Jamaica Memory Bank 12 Ocean Boulevard, Kingston Tel: 922-4793/7415 Fax: 924-9361 Email: acij@anngel.com