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Kalinago Cultural Heritage
The indigenous people of Dominica are the owners of a rich cultural heritage . The Kalinago are nature worshippers , guided by ancestral spiritual beliefs , which is tied into the importance of conserving the natural environment and protecting the resources in their territory . The spirit world , the universe , the stars and seasons are still a big part of their way of life . Their traditional colours are yellow , which represents the sun , and white which speaks to purity .
Drums , chants and dance are intrinsic to their culture and was used in times of war , celebration and ceremonial functions . Painting of the body and face , accessorized with colourful beads and hand-painted fabric worn around the waist and bosom are also part of their culture . It is not unusual to see modern day Kalinago so adorned during special functions and in their role as ethnic tourism ambassadors , interacting with guests who visit the Territory .
Traditional Kalinago homes with thatched roof , cooking over a wood fire , fishing and eating organic produce from their gardens such as cassava , coconut and local fruits still continue in the Territory today , although modern homes , consumption of imported food and the use of modern amenities are more dominant .
Handicraft is important to the Kalinago for more than just economic reasons . The intricate skill of traditional craft-making is passed down from generation to generation . Meticulously weaved baskets are made from the larouma reed grown in the village . These baskets and other larouma products can be purchased from vendors in the Territory and from craft and souvenir shops on the island .
Handy , artistic crafted products made from calabash , with intricate , carvings representative of Kalinago myths and legends ; coconut and wooden craft made , as with the calabash , into eating utensils , bags and other practical and decorative items , are all ancestral representations . Kalinago craft are known for its high quality .