Dance, Music and Lyrics
The word punta may be a latinization of an ancient West African rhythm called bunda, or "buttocks" in the Mandé language. The punta dance is also known by the name kuliao (from Spanish culeado). The style has popular links with funeral rites and ancestor worship.
Punta dance is a mimetic cock-and-hen mating dance with rapid movements of the buttocks and hips while the upper torso remains motionless. Couples attempt to dance more stylistically and seductively, with better hip movements, than their competitors. This most popular dance in Garifuna culture is performed at wakes, holidays, parties, and other social events. Punta lyrics are usually composed by women. A Garifuna elder, Rutilia Figueroa, states: "The Garifuna sing their pain. They sing about their concerns. They sing about what’s going on. We dance when there is a death. It’s a tradition to bring a little joy to the family, but every song has a different meaning. Different words. The Garifuna does not sing about love. The Garifuna sings about things that reach your heart."
Chumba and hunguhungu, circular dances in triple rhythm, are often combined with punta.
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