Posted by JanetB
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- Play count: 842
Size: 792kb, uploaded 11/8/2014 9:29:07 AM
Genre: Old Time / Playing Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time
For the old-time Tune of the Week, 11/7/14, I'm learning that Cuffy is the name of several historic figures in the era of slavery. I'm impressed there's even a Guyana silver dollar coin with Cuffy's image. The timing of the tune feels unusual, but the only crooked part would be a half measure between the A and B parts. It's the melody itself that has an interesting path. Check out this week's TOTW: http://www.banjohangout.org/topic/294064
3 comments on “Cuffy (CB)--TOTW”
VancePants Says:
Monday, November 10, 2014 @9:44:44 AM
Not usually a fan of yon cello 'jo, but thinks it certain works well on this lovely lil' tune... well played Janet!
writerrad Says:
Thursday, April 23, 2026 @10:38:52 AM
Wkipedia tells us "The day name Cuffee (also spelled Cuffy, Cuffey, or Kofi) signifies a male child born on a Friday. It originates from the Akan language and cultural tradition in Ghana, West Africa, where children are named after the day of the week they are born, which is believed to reflect the soul and character of the person."
A number of outstanding figures among enslaved and unenslaved African Americans especially in the 1700s and 1800s had this name. It has become a last name for African American families that exist today. As Janet explains, in the Caribbean, particular in Guyana the name has been recognized as one Black heritage, especially insofar as it was held by figures who fought to liberate themselves from slavery, racism, and colonialism.
On the other hand in some contexts especially in the 19th century, people who were not Black in this country, used the name as a pajorative one size fits all name for all African American males , not necessarily of a complimentary nature like "Sambo".
There is absolutely no record of this tune being played by African Americans particularly by this name.
JanetB Says:
Thursday, April 23, 2026 @7:51:01 PM
Thanks for adding to the history behind the title. I assume you saw the TOTW from 12 years ago. Chuck did a lot of research. banjohangout.org/archive/294064
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