The Mapalé is an

Afro-Colombian Afro-Colombians (), also known as Black Colombians (), are Colombians of total or predominantly Sub-Saharan African ancestry. Colombia has one of the largest African diaspora, Afro-descendant populations in South America, with government ...

style of dance that was imported by slaves. It represented fishermen after a long day of work. Its name comes from the '' Cathorops mapale'' (fish) when they are out of the water. The dance moves are compared with the agility and strength of those who are performing them. The movements represent the fish out of the water (men), while the women represent the sea.

History

The Mapalé was born as a song and dance of fishermen's work. It emerged on the Colombian Caribbean coast, thanks to the cultural influence of trafficked Africans who mainly came from

Angola Angola, officially the Republic of Angola, is a country on the west-Central Africa, central coast of Southern Africa. It is the second-largest Portuguese-speaking world, Portuguese-speaking (Lusophone) country in both total area and List of c ...

. When they managed to escape their captors, they founded ''quilombos'' or communities in remote places such as Palenque de San Basilio, where they affirmed their cultural heritage. Born in the Caribbean, it was introduced along the banks of the

Magdalena River The Magdalena River (, ; less commonly ) is the main river of Colombia, flowing northward about through the western half of the country. It takes its name from the biblical figure Mary Magdalene. It is navigable through much of its lower reaches, ...

. It continues to be danced in descendants communities from Colombia to

Panama Panama, officially the Republic of Panama, is a country in Latin America at the southern end of Central America, bordering South America. It is bordered by Costa Rica to the west, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north, and ...

Peru Peru, officially the Republic of Peru, is a country in western South America. It is bordered in the north by Ecuador and Colombia, in the east by Brazil, in the southeast by Bolivia, in the south by Chile, and in the south and west by the Pac ...

and

Ecuador Ecuador, officially the Republic of Ecuador, is a country in northwestern South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean on the west. It also includes the Galápagos Province which contain ...

. Originally the dance was performed at night and accompanied by the ''yamaró'' and ''quitambre'' drums, the palms of the hands, and singing. Subsequently, its theme emphasized sexual rejoicing and became more frenetic. The choreography evolved from its African essence, both in its simple costumes, and in the

machete A machete (; ) is a broad blade used either as an agricultural implement similar to an axe, or in combat like a long-bladed knife. The blade is typically long and usually under thick. In the Spanish language, the word is possibly a dimin ...

(a work tool used in fishing). Some definitions indicate that the rhythm comes from a festival because of the abundant fish. The Mapalé has strong movements for which you must have good body management and discipline.

Clothing

Costumes, both for men and for women, vary according to the dance and the performer.

Men

Men wear trousers that reach the heels, sometimes adorned with fringes or washers in the mouth of the leg.

Women

Usually in black, women wear short skirts with fringes, raffias or small ruffles that emphasize the accelerated movement of their hips. They wear flat shoes or go barefoot and wear turbans of flags on their heads.

Steps

The Mapalé couples dance apart or together, with short steps, very fast rhythm and with constant clapping. The ''cumbia'' music starts, and the routine begins with forming two rows, one in front of the other and in a confrontation between man and woman moving forward and backward. This continues with free and individual exhibitions by the men with the purpose of pleasing their partners, who take turns responding to the confrontations. Their movements are frenetic and deliberately

erotic Eroticism () is a quality that causes sexual feelings, as well as a philosophical contemplation concerning the aesthetics of sexual desire, sensuality, and romantic love. That quality may be found in any form of artwork, including painting, sculp ...

. The women have different yet exciting and erotic movements of their own. The dancers move quickly and forcefully, jumping, falling, raising their arms, shaking their shoulders and hips.

Bibliography

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mapale Colombian styles of dance Latin American folk dances