A new film, *Stew Peas*, directed by the acclaimed Jamaican filmmaker Sosiessia Nixon, delves into the mystical world of obeah, a spiritual practice deeply rooted in West African traditions. This feature-length suspense drama, set against the backdrop of Jamaica’s vibrant culture, tells the gripping tale of a detective whose personal and professional life spirals into chaos as she grapples with themes of love, betrayal, and the supernatural.
The Plot Unfolds
At the heart of *Stew Peas* is Tessa, a dedicated Jamaican detective haunted by an unsolved murder case. Her already tumultuous life takes a darker turn when she discovers that her husband, Neil, has become entranced by their enigmatic new maid, Marcia. The tension escalates with the unsettling revelation that Marcia has been secretly incorporating her menstrual blood into the traditional stew, a potent blend of kidney beans and meat designed to bind men to women through the power of obeah.
Nixon articulated her vision for the film, stating, “This project focuses on the enduring Jamaican belief that a woman can ‘bind’ a man through a meal, transforming it into a love potion with the addition of her menstrual blood.” She aims to ignite discussions around the complex relationships between Christianity and obeah, practices that reflect Jamaica’s rich African heritage and are still observed today, despite being outlawed since the 1700s.
A Cultural Commentary
Coming from St Thomas, a parish often referred to as the “obeah parish,” Nixon draws from her personal experiences to portray the intricate dynamics of this belief system. “Having grown up in St Thomas, I was exposed to many aspects of obeah,” she shared, emphasising the cultural significance of the practice.
Producer and actor Ava Eagle Brown, a prominent figure in Jamaica’s film scene and founder of the Black River Film Festival, believes that *Stew Peas* will resonate with Caribbean audiences both at home and in the diaspora. “This film encapsulates the essence of what it means to be Jamaican,” she remarked. “It evokes a sense of nostalgia, especially for those living abroad.”
In a light-hearted yet serious note, Brown added, “Now men might look at their partners with suspicion and ask, ‘What did you put in my stew peas?’ But on a more serious level, I’ve advised my son to be cautious about the stew peas he consumes from women!”
Exploring African Spirituality
Sonjah Stanley Niaah, a cultural studies scholar and director of the Centre for Reparation Research at the University of the West Indies, highlighted the significance of the stew peas belief within the broader context of African spirituality. She explained that natural elements, such as menstrual blood, are considered potent in African traditions. The use of kidney beans as a cover allows the enchantment to go undetected by the man being charmed.
Stanley Niaah welcomes the opportunity to engage with African spiritual practices, which have often been misrepresented and vilified due to colonial narratives. “The legacy of enslavement, sanctioned by the church, created a legislative framework designed to suppress African
