What was one of the primary functions of spirituals for enslaved African Americans?

One of the primary functions of spirituals for enslaved African Americans was to convey messages of resistance and rebellion against enslavers. Spirituals often contained coded messages and imagery that expressed the desire for freedom or highlighted the struggles faced by the enslaved. Through their lyrics, these songs served as an outlet for hope, resilience, and the longing for liberation, while also fostering a sense of solidarity among those who shared similar experiences of oppression. The use of spirituals in this manner illustrates how music became a vital tool for both personal expression and collective resistance within the enslaved community.