Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Understanding The Art And Culture In Bahamas

In order to fully appreciate the culture of this Island, one should try and visit the place to get information and experience it firsthand. The Bahamian tradition is usually on display during the Junkanoo festival where people wear some masks and perform some songs. The art is hidden in poignant songs termed as Rake n scrape music and carvings.
For the art lovers the Island offers a lot of art galleries where appreciations and passion for art are appreciated. There are vibrant drawings placed on display that portray the way of life in the Island. The artistic pieces are priceless and it is for this question that there are several exhibitions to show case them.
The official language of these people is English but some speak in Bahamian dialect which is a mixture of the two. There are several genres of music that the Island people listen to like Jamaican reggae, Caribbean Calypso, Soca from Trinidad and American inspired Hip hop and rap. There are great Bahamian singers whose songs are popular like Ronnie Butler, Brilanders and MacKlyn.
There is some African influence on the art and culture of these people especially on the Bahamian dialect where African expressions and words have been retained. It borrows some words from the Yoruba, Fulani and Kongo. The most common religion in Bahamas is Christianity with a total of almost 95% believers. The denominations are Baptist, Methodist, Catholic and Anglican. Bahamas has more churches per capita which is the highest than any other country.
Before the advent of the modern television, there was storytelling and folklore to provide a traditional form of entertainment. The stories were also educative as they had good moral lessons. The storytelling was one of the customs influenced by African cultures. Bush medicine had been in practice since the times of Bahamian slaves and they are also used today to cure the sick using naturally occurring plants.
When it comes to arts, there are several types that are known. Straw weaving was a traditional skill learnt by the people to make baskets that were useful in carrying fruits and fishtraps. Canvas art paintings are also available with the likes of Eddie Minnis, John Cox and John Beadle. Coral and stone art are also available as the coral is taken from the reef break-offs which are naturally occurring.
There is also a great cultural shopping in the best shopping district that one gets to explore the Bahamian tradition. The Port Lucaya market place is the best place to be in as it sells authentic handmade Bahamian crafts to act as souvenir. There is also music, dining and entertainment. The above factors would make it easier to understand the art and culture in Bahamas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8045244

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