The Emancipation Park is considered as one of Jamaica’s national treasures. It is one of the most used parks in the country, used it for parties, concerts, wedding receptions, picnics and the list goes on. However, not many are aware of the significance of the park and what the features represents.
Many(including me) have only focused on the statue for various reasons. Today, I want to share some of the other features of the park and the reasons behind each feature.
Did you know that the statue has a name? I had no idea.
I’ve always passed by the park but at no point did I stop to find out what all of the features meant.The statue is called “Redemption Song” and is known as “Facey Sings” a derivative from the owner’s last name and singing of the redemption song. This 11 ft master piece was created by Laura Facey who said in an interview that while creating the piece was inspired by the words of our national hero Marcus Garvey and the late Bob Marley, “none but ourselves can free our minds”.
At the base of the statue is a dome shaped fountain which symbolizes washing away the pain and suffering of the past.
The park was designed to be spacious which allows maximum freedom of movement. This aligns well with the park’s theme which is freedom from slavery. According to the architect of the park, Kamau Kambui, the park features were designed to express movement and the celebration of freedom while maintaining a link to our African heritage.
Emancipation Park Entrance
The entrance of the park represents a ceremonial entrance that is similar to that of a birth channel, where one experiences a rebirth process while walking through the park and tuned in to mother nature.
Water is a major part of the park’s design. There are three fountains in the park. Each fountain representing a part of the journey of the Jamaican people, from the beginning of slavery to Emancipation.
After entering through the ceremonial gates, there are two reflecting water streams on both sides of the passage which allows visitors to pause and reflect internally on their personal journey.
Reflecting Water
At the end of the walkway is another fountain which symbolizes the womb of the whole rebirth process.
Main Water fountain
It was so interesting to find out that so much thought went into the park’s design. Even the very stones used were specially selected. A few of the great houses were built mainly with limestone by slaves. Therefore, to pay tribute to the craftsmanship of the slaves, limestone is incorporated in the park’s design. It can be found on the perimeter wall, the bathrooms and the main office.
Many of the slaves that were brought to Jamaica came from West Africa so the architect, Kamau Kambui thought it fit to pay tribute to our ancestors by incorporating the West African Adinkra symbols in the parks design. These symbols can be seen in various areas of the park. The perimeter fences, walls at the entrance, the benches and garbage receptors. I’ve walked in the park countless times and didn’t even realize that these symbols existed.
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- Andinkra Symbol – Futumfrafo
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- Andinkra Symbol – Futumfrafo
On the Garbage receptors and the side of the benches is the symbol called Futumfrafo. On examining closely you will notice two crocodiles joint by the body. This is a two headed crocodile which symbolizes the oneness of the human family despite cultural differences.
Wafa Aba Seed
Another one called Wafa Aba is all around the park but you would miss it if you are not very observant as it is neatly placed within the perimeter fence.
The Wafa Aba is a symbol of hardiness, toughness and perseverance. It comes from
the seed of the Wafa tree which is extremely hard. It represents the strength and resilience of the Jamaican people.
Eban fence Adinkra Symbol
The third symbol is called Eban and is also on the perimeter fence. I really had to look for this one. Meaning a fence, it is a symbol of love, safety and security. This symbol represents the fact that the emancipated slaves felt a sense of security knowing that they could now be with their families.
I was so fascinated about the new information I found about the park, I just had to share it. I hope that you find this interesting as well and you(Jamaicans) will also have a greater appreciation for the park and all its features and not just focus on one.
If you would like more details on Emancipation park, please feel free to check out the Park’s official website.
