African American watermen unload oysters in Rock Point, Maryland.
Credit: Library of Congress
Wrap Up
Summary
African American watermen and women of the Chesapeake have a rich history and culture. Like many communities, they used music to enhance their environment and to improve their efficiency while working. Through exploring spirituals and chanteys we can learn a lot about the thoughts, artistry, and experiences of these communities of laborers in the 19th and 20th centuries.
In this lesson, you explored:
- Two primary types of songs — spirituals and chanteys — that African American watermen and women of the Chesapeake performed during their work.
- Some of the basic music characteristics of spirituals and chanteys.
- When and where these songs were performed by workers.
- How these two musical expressions are alike and different.
- How historical context influenced the creation and dissemination of these songs.
