ART103 Week 6 Art History

Caribbean Art is a reflection of our society, its history, beliefs and aspirations.  It is about what we experience, know and feel.

Caribbean people have migrated to other parts of the world bringing with them an increased awareness of Caribbean art.

Pre-Colombian Art

Pre-Colombian Art dates back to the time of the Taino people.  They made their art on cave walls mainly in the Greater Antilles.  They drew and carved birds, fishes and reptiles.

The caves were thought to be sacred and they made their charcoal and paint from vegetable pigment and animal fat.

For example, the Pomier Caves in the Dominican Republic is a system of over 50 connecting caves with 4000 paintings and 5000 drawings.

Indigenous American

This included the Arawak, Carib and Taino tribes.  They left pottery which was excavated from various sites.  In 1792 the wooden zemi sculpture known as Birdman was found in Jamaica.

Europeans

This began with the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492 and he claimed many Caribbean islands in his journeys.  Their contribution of Caribbean Art came in the form of the architecture seen in the Caribbean islands.

African

The Africans went through Slavery which influenced their contribution of art to the Caribbean.  Their forms of art were from their ancestors and the spirit world.  They carved ceremonial tools, furniture and their utensils.

When the Europeans came in the picture their cultures and religions merges and religions such as the Orisha, Santeria, Shouter Baptists and Voodun emerged.  Art styles such as the Naive art style evolved.

East Indian

The east indians came during the period known as Indentureship.  They brought their religions and cultures to the Caribbean and this influenced Caribbean art as we know it.  Their contribution to Caribbean Art came in the form of religious images, clothing, jewellery, musical instruments, tools, utensils and pottery.