Yeye Sani: an Afro-Surinamese concept of the self in a model of mental well being

Abstract

This article presents a model of mental well being based in Afro-Surinamese knowledge, experience, and cultural history. The model is the result of a two-year-long ethnographic research project in Paramaribo, Suriname. Suriname is a former Dutch colony in South America, which is known for its harmonious, multi-cultural, and multi-ethnic society. The mental well being model entitled Opo Yeye – which translates into “Raising the Spirit” – reflects an extended sense of self which is traversed and governed by forces seen and unseen. Mental well being is achieved through striving for harmony between all these forces that contribute to the self. The article provides an in-depth exploration of the concept of the self and highlights the historical origins, yet its contemporary value.

Keywords:

• self
• mental well being
• spiritual system
• Suriname
• Afro-Surinamese
• African Diaspora
• anthropology

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the University of Kentucky Graduate School for the Lyman T. Johnson Doctorial Fellowship. Thanks to the University of Kentucky Department of Anthropology for the Susan Abbott Jamieson Scholarship that contributed to the research. A special thank you to Dr. Rosalind Harris and Dr. Deborah Crooks for their mentorship and support. Lastly, a dear thank you to the people of Suriname.