In 2021, the University Library acquired a special collection of Surinamese poetry that is now part of the rich literary collection of the Rotterdamsch Leeskabinet. A selection from the collection is now displayed in our exhibition Powema tori: to hold our language high. The title is taken from a poem by the Surinamese poet Michaël Slory (1935-2018) and immediately clarifies the aim of the exhibition: Fu ori wi tongo hei, or To hold our language high, with the impressive first sentence ‘Do not make this language/get lost so carelessly’.
The collection contains beautifully published volumes of poetry in Sranantongo, roughly from the 1960s to the present day, with a variety of poetic themes and an impressive wealth of imagery. The volumes were collected with care by Fresco Sam-Sin, Leiden scientist and director of Het Taalmuseum. Most of the volumes are on display in the library, with special focus on a number of poems.
As part of the exhibition you can view and listen to an exclusive recording, in which Hermine Haman performs Eddy Bruma's poem Boni Doro, accompanied by percussionist Carlo Hoop. Historical recitations by Dobru, one of Suriname's most important poets, are on show as well.
Sranantongo, the lingua franca of Suriname, is a Creole language that came to fruition on the plantations because enslaved people from different language areas in Africa needed a way to speak to each other. As such, Sranantongo is a symbol of resistance, connection and resilience, showing that colonial history resonates to this day.
Poets and writers were at the forefront of the movement that aims to emancipate and celebrate Sranantongo. The Leeskabinet is proud of this poetry collection and will continue to expand and update it in collaboration with Het Taalmuseum.
Powema tori: to hold our language high can be viewed up until February 2023.
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