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.
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