Significance of colors (red, yellow, orange, blue, green)

Different colors show up in the novel, symbolizing the vibrancy of African life. Many of Lawrence Hill's African characters wear or seek clothing and objects with vibrant colours. These colours stand out in contrast to the characters' depressing colonial surroundings--specifically the dismal grey and muddy conditions of the colonies.

As an example, when she first arrives on Sullivan's Island in 1757, Aminata sees African women, whom she calls "homelander women," walking through the streets and "sporting coloured head scarves": "I could not take my eyes off the reds and oranges and blues that ran and swam in those scarves" (156).

Other instances of color include the parrot aboard the slave ship, the blue glass bottles that Aminata fills with rum, and the wraps, hats, and scarves she and her peers wear.