Culture is language, song, dance, arts and crafts, storytelling,food and so much more. It is ever changing but the roots of many parts of culture can be found in history. There are African roots in the culture of the Turks and Caicos Islands. This is because slaves and Africans who escaped slavery brought their own culture. It evolved and adapted as more slaves arrived, and as slaves were transferred between owners.
B’Bookie and B’Rabbie:illustration created by resident artist Kenton Wyatt
B’Bookie and B’Rabbie as well as Anansi the spider have their origin in African storytelling. The traditional storytelling gives messages of right and wrong and shows how history has been passed through the spoken word to new generations.
Junkanoo stems from African celebrations and the times of slavery in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Ripsaw, the traditional music of the Turks and Caicos Islands has a rhythm that is clearly African influenced. (Ripsaw music sample)
The straw work, provides the essential hats for shelter from the sun and baskets for storage, and has its roots in African basket making.
Are there any other things that you do, games you play, food you eat, songs you sing that might have African roots?