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Regional Folklife of North Louisiana: A Cultural Patchwork

Outsiders often stereotype all of Louisiana as "Cajun" swampland; however, a closer look shows that the geography and folklife of the northern part of the state differ considerably from that of south Louisiana. In sharp contrast to the French-dominated culture of south Louisiana, the north is characterized by its Anglo-and Afro-American folk music traditions, such as old-time country string bands and country blues; small farming and such crafts as white-oak basketry; foodways, such as hot water corn bread and butterbeans; and the prevalence of Protestantism. Mapping the cultural differences between north and south Louisiana reveals a rough ...

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