A Tapestry of Jamaican Culture: From Taino to Independence is the theme of our display that explores the unfolding of Jamaica’s history, which is reflected through the artefacts. The story of the Tainos, Spanish, Maroons, British, Africans, and our various ancestors.
It beautifully illustrates the rich cultural diversity of Jamaica has been dramatically affected by the history and culture of the Tainos, Spanish, British, Africans, Chinese, Indians, and Lebanese. Tainos represent the first peoples and their contribution to the words we use, such as Hammock and canoe. Spanish contributed to the building of the first capital Sevilla La Nueva and architecture. British imparted the English language, Christianity more specifically protestant denominations, chief of which was Anglicanism. Africans were brought to Jamaica by the Spanish and British as enslaved people who made it a point of duty to keep their culture alive and we can see it in our food, music, dance, and language. Chinese immigrants brought with them trade, business, and culinary customs during the 19th century. Indentured Indian workers contributed to the island’s cultural landscape by bringing their music, dance, and celebrations like Diwali, while the Lebanese set up shops in trade and brought their culinary traditions with them.