Granman (Ndyuka language: gaanman) is the title of the paramount chief of a Maroon nation in Suriname and French Guiana. The Ndyuka, Saramaka, Matawai, Aluku, Paramaka and Kwinti nations all have a granman. The paramount chiefs of Amerindian peoples in Suriname are nowadays also often called “granman”.
The word comes from the Sranan Tongo language, a creole spoken in Suriname, and is derived from grand + man meaning "most important man." Granman was also used for the governors of Suriname.[1] The word can be used in combination with other words: granman-oso (big man house) is the Presidential Palace.[1]
- ^ a b "Sranan Tongo – English Dictionary" (PDF). SIL International. p. 63. Retrieved 28 July 2020.