Introducing Accompong
Six hundred meters above sea level, the village of Accompong, on the southwestern edge of Cockpit Country, is the sole remaining village in western Jamaica inhabited by descendants of the Maroons. It touts itself for that, but it’s also a good base for exploring the region of Cockpit Country known as Me No Sen You No Come.
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The village still enjoys aspects of quasi-autonomy and is headed by a ‘colonel’ (currently Sydney Peddie) elected by secret ballot for a period of five years. The colonel appoints and oversees a council, and it is considered proper etiquette to introduce yourself upon visiting (464-0651).
Local artisans still make goombay drums here. These – along with an array of medicinal herbs, calabashes and abeng horns – are for sale in the tiny red-and-green-painted craft shop as you enter town. The hand-carved goombay drum is box-shaped and covered with goatskin, and makes a wonderfully deep and resonant racket. A large one will set you back US$150.
Last updated: Mar 2, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Treasure Beach and nearby, December
by ackeepod 05 September 2011
I went to the Accompng Festival in january this yr and stayed overnight in a neaighbouring village .. I helped visitor who wanted drumming…
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RE: Treasure Beach and nearby, December
by MikeyMike 02 September 2011
Irie Randy Bebe's Place is very good and probably the better deal considering how nice the place is. Also Shakespears Cottages is nice.…
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Treasure Beach and nearby, December
by el_spumante 01 September 2011
Hello everyone, I'm planning an 8-night trip to Treasure Beach in mid-December and wanted to ask your advice about lodging, things to…
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