Boukman

aka Boukman Dutty; "Zamba" Boukman

Houngan priest who led the rebellion at Bois Caïman, he had come to Haiti by way of Jamaica, then to become a maroon in the forest of Morne Rouge. Giant, powerful, "grotesque-looking man... with a 'terrible countenance', a face like an exaggerated African carving." (Parkinson, p. 39) Fierce and fearsome, he was an inspiring leader.

"Boukman Dutty (called "Book Man" in Jamaica because he could read) was sold by his British master to a Frenchman (and his name became "Boukman" in Haiti). A giant with imposing stature, with courage to match, he was a Voodoo priest, exercising an undisputed influence and command over his followers, who knew him as "Zamba" Boukman." (Espeut, 2003)

References

Parkinson, Wenda (1978). This Gilded African. London: Quartet Books. ISBN 0-7043-2187-4 Espeut, Peter (Dec. 31, 2003). Two hundred years later. Jamaica Gleaner.