The “Mummies”  is a British tradition that was brought to the Dominican Republic in the 1920's when blacks from St. Kitts and Nevis islands –– which had been colonized by the British, came to the Dominican Republic to work. 

The traditional time for the mummers to act their old dramas is around Christmas and this is when it is performed, in the streets, in San Pedro.

Traditionally the words of the plays, of which the Mummies ll  is only one of

nine, were passed on verbally from one generation to the next so that very few of the texts have been preserved in writing. The theme is generally that of death and rebirth of nature. 

There is usually one character called St. George, or sometimes King George or Prince George, and another is the Turkish knight who is killed and resurrected by the doctor. 

These mummers plays had their origins in pagan times when human sacrifice was part of life, and in mankind's attempt to regain the favor of the gods who seemed to have deserted them.

Theophilus Chiverton, in whose back yard we recorded, is 65 years old and came to the Dominican Republic more than fifty years ago with his parents. He proudly proclaims “I am a British” and would never give up his British passport. 

However, this tradition, at least in the Dominican Republic, seems to be drawing to an end because the children of these immigrants from St. Kitts and Nevis don't speak English, and there is a dwindling English-identified population. 

Mr.Chiverton told us that it's been more than twenty years since he's been able to perform the whole piece. There was just no one else to learn the parts. 

Now Mr. Chiverton doesn't even remember all of them. 

The instruments have been hand made Musicians for the “mummies" and belong to Mr. Chiverton. The instruments relate to European military bands,

however the rhythms certainly relate to Africa as well.

The purpose of the plays, according to Theophilus Chiverton "is for good cheer!"

Good morning friends and neighbors here.

We are quite glad to meet you all here.

For Christmas come but once a year

And when it come it bring good cheer

And when it gone it is no longer near.

May luck attend your milking pail

When each wind blows over cotton field

Then our mummies time come round.