Gang Gang Sarah
The legend of Gang Gang Sarah, the African witch of Golden Lane has been one of Tobago’s famous folklore tales for decades.
On a stormy night she was blown from her home in Africa across the sea to Tobago and landed quite safely at the village of Les Coteaux. From there she journeyed to Golden Lane in search of her family who were brought to Tobago as slaves. She lived to a great age and is remembered for her wisdom and kindness. She became the loving wife of Tom, whom legend says she had known as a child in her native Africa. She lived to a great age and is remembered for her wisdom.
After her Tom had died, wishing to return to her native land, she climbed a great Silk Cotton tree in Culloden and tried to fly (this tree has since fallen). It was said to be a fatal decision, since her reputed power of flight and necromancy had been lost when she violated a timeworn dictum of witchcraft and ate food with salt. Sarah perhaps was not aware of the loss of her power and fell from the branches of the tree and died. To this day the names of Tom and Sarah can be seen inscribed upon the head stones of their graves where they have lain side by side for close upon two hundred years.
N.B. Silk Cotton trees are regarded with a kind of awed reverence and fear. These are huge trees. It is reported to be very difficult to be able to find someone who will cut down a silk cotton tree as they are said to be the home of spirits and duppies. To cut it down is to free them to roam the earth. These trees are well known for its many legends, spanning over 150 years.
Reference:
http://www.tntisland.com/folklore.html
https://nationaltrust.tt/location/silk-cotton-tree-gang-gang-sarah/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gang_Gang_Sarah
https://www.guardian.co.tt/article-6.2.405197.04e2833a35
