Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine April 2017 | Page 515

Art
There are a number of local artists in the Turks
and Caicos Islands, some well known while others
are yet to be discovered and promoted. From
a cultural perspective, most of the art that was
produced depicted national symbols, the natural
environment of the Turks and Caicos Islands,
including underwater life, architectural landmarks
such as the White House in Salt Cay and the
Lighthouse on Grand Turk, cultural practices,
such as transporting water on the head or via the
donkey cart, special events such as the Christmas
masquerades, among other depictions. Usually,
these were commissioned and presented as gifts
to visiting delegations, or used to enhance the
office environment. The depictions boasted vibrant
colours which were often symbolic of the zest for
life of a high-spirited people.
Traditionally, art was not seen aa a viable option
for youngsters and hence, art was not done
on a commercial scale. However, the level of
consciousness to the significance and profitability
of art in its various forms has increased, and its
marketability has become evident. Art, as a subject,
was added to the school's curriculum, providing
opportunity for talent to be unraveled. The
number of artists grew, and new dimensions have
been added to the production of art forms. Art
competitions at the school and community level
have been successfully held and young students
have shown great interest in this area.
Music
The music of the TCI is a conglomeration of
the total experience of the inhabitants – past
and present. So elements of European, African
and Caribbean rhythm are infused into the
indigenous music of the TCI.
Tourists and residents alike gyrate to the
rhythmic beat of TCI's national music, Rip
Saw. This melodious indigenous music bursts
forth when a table knife or similar object is
scraped across a Carpenter's manual saw. The
music is dominant in Salt Cay, Grand Turk and
Providenciales, where organized groups play
for weekend events and other social gatherings. In
years gone by, the Rip Saw was the sole music that
was played at weddings, entertainments, and national
events.
While the Rip Saw is the national music, other music
such as the Jamaica Reggae, Rock and Roll, Calypso
and Soca, dominate the music arena today.
Dance
Similar to the music, the dance is a fusion of
movements reflective of a history steeped in rhythmic
expressions, so it could be common to experience a
“heel and toe polka”, “shotishe”, “a waltz”, a piece of
“rhumba” or a myriad of new steps, reflecting a rich
culture of an active people.
Special Occasions
Special events, such as weddings, funerals,
wakes, festivals, and other social activities in the
Turks and Caicos Islands brought alive several
traditional cultural practices. Food served at
wakes, for example, have been and continue
to be the traditional souse and Johnny cake,
sandwiches and soups. Weddings have moved
away somewhat from the locally slaughtered
meats to the more elaborate dishes.
Each island celebrates a special annual event
such as Regatta (South Caicos), Salt Cay Day (Salt
Cay) and Maskanoo (Providenciales), to name a
few.
While a country’s culture identifies its people,
culture is borne out of its people. It becomes
the source of our traditions, our attitudes,
rituals, ceremonies, and pursuits. There is always
a mandate to preserve our culture, but one
recognises that in the process of preservation,
there is the inevitability that change will take
place. It means therefore, that what exist today is
far removed from what existed in yesteryear.
References:
Taylor, Richard. Understanding our Cultural Essence and
Defining a Healthy Lifestyle. An unpublished Paper. 1986