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This course has taught me great deal about Caribbean history and culture by forcing me to question the way in which history has perceived and told. The revisionist direction taken by this course served to broaden my way of thinking about and conceptualizing historical events. Both lectures and tutorials have expertly compounded and conveyed the information in a comprehensive and captivating manner. Additionally, certain sections of this course has also forced me to develop an appreciating for Caribbean culture and acknowledge the ways by which certain aspects came to be.

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This can be defined as a collective st of characteristics that is central to a country by which that country is recognized or known. there is a close similarity of feeling and understanding, the development of a sense of solidarity and belonging.

A Caribbean identity has been formed against a background of diversity through the commonalities that arise through socialization as well as geographical and historical experiences.

Caribbean identity goes hand in hand with culture as one is derived from the other and serves to bring citizens together and promote solidarity

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Black Stalin. Ah Feel to Party. YouTube, 2010. Web. 11 Nov. 2016.

Bob Marley. Buffalo Soldier. YouTube, 2008. Web. 8 Nov. 2016.

Byron Lee. Walk and Wine. YouTube, 2009. Web. 11 Nov. 2016.

Chinapoo, Carlton, Norma James, and Maureen Lee-Paisley. Cape Sociology. Harlow, Essex: Pearson Education Limited, 2014. Print.

Elvis Crespo. Suavemente. YouTube, 2014. Web. 8 Nov. 2016

Mari Mari Cultural Village. Bamboo Dance. YouTube, 2011. Web. 11 Nov. 2016.

Mighty Sparrow. Jean and Dinay. YouTube, 2010. Web. 8 Nov. 2016.

Oro Solido. La De La Tanguita Roja. YouTube, 2014. Web. 8 Nov. 2016.

Ria. "Trinidad Pelau." Cooking with Ria. Ria, 5 May 2002. Web. 28 Nov. 2016.

Sundar Popo. Your Mother's Love. YouTube, 2009. Web. 11 Nov. 2016.

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The Development of Religion in the Caribbean - Caribbean religious traditions originated in the continents of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.

The Influence of Europe and the USA - Christianity was introduced into the Caribbean during the period of colonization by various colonial powers. Christian missionaries played a very important role in converting the Amerindians to the teachings, beliefs and practices of Christian denominations. Enslaved Africans were also forced to convert to Christianity upon arrival to the Caribbean. This religion and it's select teachings was used to oppress the African population and ensure they were docile labourers.

The Influence of Africa - The Africans who were brought to the region came with a variety of religious traditions. For example, the Yoruba from Nigeria, who were enslaved in Cuba had the same beliefs and religious practices as the Santeria. Due to the fact that the enslaved population was not permitted to freely practice their religion their religious practices were mixed with Christianity to produce syncretised religion, indigenous to the Caribbean.

The Influence of Asia - Hinduism and Islam were introduced into the Caribbean under the indentureship program in the early post-emancipation period. These religions have survived, mostly in their traditional forms, because unlike the Africans, the indentured workers were allowed to practice their religion.

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In the Caribbean our historical past of colonization, slavery and indentureship has catered for the rich variety of religious institutions that range from Christianity to Hinduism, Islam, Vodou, Rastafarianism, Santeria and so on.

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Renowned Caribbean authors - V.S. Naipaul - he was born in Trinidad but has resided in the United Kingdom since 1950. In his literary expressions such as "Miguels Street" and "A House for Miss Biswas", Naipaul switched between British English and creole which catered for the exposure of Caribbean language and culture.
V.S. Naipaul:

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Renowned Caribbean authors - Derek Walcott - he was born in St. Lucia and resided in Trinidad during the 1960s and 1970s and conveyed powerful messages through poetry written exclusively in dialect.  He also won a Nobel prize for literature in 1992.
Derek Walcott:

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Story telling has always been regarded as a ways to preserve cultural traditions. What is now regarded as West Indian literature emerged around the 1950s when writers such as Samuel Selvon, V.S. Naipaul and George Lamming began to be published in the United Kingdom. One unique and pervasive characteristic of Caribbean Literature is the use of "dialect", "patois" or "creole" to convey the authenticity of the Caribbean environment and experience. Additionally, much of what is written is a reflection of Caribbean culture and an attempt to deal with Caribbean issues. the influence of the Caribbean's history of colonization, slavery, indentureship and migration were key factors that shape Caribbean literature.

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One of my favourite Trinidadian art pieces entitled Tears of Black Gold By Judy Joseph-Mungal. It clearly depicts the heart-wrenching destruction the oil industry has on the environment and the precious fauna of the country.

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Phagwa - Trinidad - The observance of Phagwa, or Holi was introduced to Trinidad by indentured East Indian labourers in the 1840s. Phagwa, a spring festival that takes place during the months of March and April, is primarily observed by Hindus but indulged in by the multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. The story and significance of Phagwa speaks of Prahalad, son of the evil King Hiranyakashipu who wanted desperately to destroy the young boy. He enlisted the aid of his equally evil sister Holika who had powers that rendered her immune to destruction by fire.  The King ordered her to take the boy into a large fire to end his life, but the child's faith in God was so great that not only was he unharmed, but Holika's powers were reduced and she burned. Today's observance of Phagwa incorporates aspects of this story and an effigy of Holika is burnt as a symbol of purification.

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PHAGWA Celebration Highlights: Trinidad 2015

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Aranguez Savannah came alive with color, as Phagwa celebrations took place on Sunday 8th 2015. The beginning of Spring. Enjoy. Holi.......

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Tobago Jazz Festival - The Tobago Jazz Experience is Tobago’s biggest annual music event, an exciting celebration of Jazz, the indigenous music of Trinidad and Tobago and new music from around the world.

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The Tobago Jazz Experience in 2016 will be bigger and better than 2015 with acts like Ms Lauryn Hill, J. Cole, Maxwell, Etienne Charles, Arturo Tappin Band and Third World just to name a few. Look out for many other artistes to be announced soon!

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Hosay - Trinidad - Every year, Hosay is observed with a parade full of colorful tadjahs in commemoration of the martyrdom of Hussain, the grandson of Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, in the year 680 AD. Every year, the procession follows a set route that is believed to retrace the path that was used for the event when St. James was a plantation during the middle of the 19th century.

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Big Hosay Night in St. James (Trinidad) - in commemoration of the martyrdom of Hussain (Hussein), the grandson of Muhammad (Prophet of Islam). More info on: http://www.bestoftrinidad.com/hosay.html - connect external speakers to hear the bass drums better -

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One of my favourite Soca songs:

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Byron Lee - Walk & Wine (Conga Line)  [SOCA]

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Byron Lee - Walk & Wine (Conga Line) [SOCA]

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One of my favourite Chutney songs:

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HEY GUYS IAM BACK......... HERE I NICE TUNE THIS ONE IS FOR ALL THE MOTHERS OUT THERE Please Support N Click Like Please:) http://www.facebook.com/pages/Yung-Gunz/160178317363426

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One of my favourite Calypsos:

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One of my favourite Parang songs:

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Indian Parang Chic (Club Mix) Taxi Arranged by Robin Imamshah Indian Parang Chic Crosby's T&T 1986

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Guyanese Pepperpot Recipe

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Learn how to make Guyanese pepperpot stew with Caribbean cookbook author Chris De La Rosa. A delicious meat stew, pepperpot is basically a variety of meats, braised in a cassareep infused liquid and cooked in Guyana during the holiday season. Most Guyanese like a thick slice of plait bread and a serving of pepperpot on Christmas morning.

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Trinidadian Pelau Recipe

1. In a food processor or blender, add garlic, scallions, thyme, onion and pimento or scotch  bonnet pepper and chop finely.

2. To the chicken add half of the green seasoning(reserving the other half), ketchup, salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to coat the chicken with the seasonings. Marinate for at least an hour or overnight.

3. In a dry large deep heavy-bottomed pot or dutch oven, cook the sugar over moderately high heat, stirring constantly with a fork, until it is melted completely and starts to froth, bubble and darken(but not black and smoking).

4. Immediately add the seasoned chicken, turning frequently to coat about 5 minutes.

5. Add the rice to the chicken, cook for 3 minutes; continue to stir frequently to prevent sticking to the pot.

6. Add beans or peas, diced sweet red pepper, carrot, celery and the remainder of the green seasoning. Mix well. Cook for 1 minute.

7. Pour in coconut milk and water or other cooking liquid. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.

8. Cover pot and bring to a boil. When the liquid comes to a boil, reduce heat to low or simmer and cook for about 30 minutes or until rice is cooked and all the liquid has evaporated.

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Contributions made by the East Indians

The East Indians were responsible for the introduction of a variety of spices, lentils, cooking equipment and methods in the Caribbean.

For example, the ‘chulha’, an apparatus used for cooking, is made from at least three pieces of rocks placed in a triangular position and raised to about eight or ten inches above ground.  Pots were placed on the top of the ‘chulha’ while dried wood was used as fuel.

A 'chulha' or fireside used for cooking:

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National Dishes of Caribbean countries:

Jamaica - Ackee and Saltfish

St. Vincent - Roast Breadfruit and Saltfish

Antigua - Duckanoo (cornmeal) and Saltfish

Antigua & Barbuda - Pepperpot

Grenada - Oil Down

Trinidad and Tobago - Pelau

Haiti - Griot (pork) with Rice and Beans

St. Lucia - Green Fig and Saltfish

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Contributions made by the Africans

foods such as yam, dasheen, eddoes, bananas, plantains, ockra, salted fish such as cod and ackee all have basis in African culture and are widespread ingredients throughout the Caribbean,

The National Dish of Jamaica - Ackee and Salt fish:

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Contributions made by the Neo-Indians

introduced the art of cooking wild meat, both barbecued and jerk, into the region

the making of pepperpot soup

the making of cassareep

the making of cassava bread

Preparation of Jerk Chicken:

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Caribbean cuisine is a fusion of Amerindian, European, African, East Indian, Arab and Chinese food.

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East Indian influence in art - the religions of Hinduism and Islam, each with their own distinctive artistic style are ever present in traditional artworks, adding to the region's cultural and artistic diversity. These art pieces often display religious images, traditional clothing and jewelry, as well as traditional musical instruments.

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African influence in art - African syncretised religious practices such as Orisha, Santeria, Shouter Baptists and Voodun are often reflected in Caribbean art. these influences are mostly reflected in the distinctive Haitian or Naive art style. Afro-Caribbean art also portrays aspects of pure African culture such as their gods, folk tales and dress.

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Notable Caribbean Artists

Trinidad - Isaiah James Boodoo,  Leroy Clarke, Pat Bishop and Charlisle Chang.

Dominica - Lennox Honychurch

Jamaica - Edna Manley

Haiti - Jean Michel Basquiat

Guyana - Bernadette Persaud

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The term 'visual arts' refers to paintings, photography and sculptures. The Caribbean's visual arts have historically been influences by European culture and traditions, especially British, Spanish and French. Over time, elements of different cultures such as African, Indian and Chinese have become incorporated into mainstream Caribbean art. It has also been strongly influenced by the global superpower that is the USA.

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Junkanoo - Bahamas - the Bahamian festival of Junkanoo is a colourful parade of costumed people dancing to the rhythmic accompaniments of drums, cowbells and whistles, this celebration occurs on December 26th and January 1st, beginning in the early hours of the mornings. The festival of Junkanoo is rooted in slavery and goes back to the 17th century when the enslaved Africans were given 3 days off at Christmas. During these few days, they would don masks , play home made drums and bells and dance in celebration of their temporary freedom.

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Reggae Sumfest - Jamaica - this event takes place in Montego Bay, Jamaica each July. Tens of thousands of reggae fans and its variations (ska, dub and dancehall) flock to the birthplace of reggae to partake in the 4 night event.

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Sailing Week - Antigua - Antigua's iconic regatta (boat races) has been a popular and marked event since 1967. This event attracts the international racing elites, as well as amateur sailing enthusiasts for a week long competition and part each April.

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Divali - Trinidad and Guyana - Divali is the Festivals of Lights and symbolizes the lifting of spiritual darkness. Every year, it is celebrated by Hindus around the world with the lighting of diyas ( a small clay pot that contains oil and a cotton wick that is lit.) Divali is observed on the new moon day in the month of Kaartik in the Hindu calendar. In 1966, Divali Day was proclaimed an annual public holiday in Trinidad in recognition of it's religious significance. Although it is a Hindu festival, in the island's multicultural and multi-religious society it is a national holiday observed by people of all denominations. The day is marked by prayers, feasts and the lighting of thousands of diyas.

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Crop Over (Kadooment) - Barbados -  the five week crop over festival is Barbados' most popular and colourful celebration. This festival originated in the 1780s as Barbados was one of the world's largest sugar producers. There would be a huge celebration to mark the culmination of a successful sugar cane harvest, hence, crop over. As the sugar industry declined in Barbados so too did the crop over festival until it completely ceased in the 1940s. However, the festival was revived in 1974 and other elements of Bajan culture was infused to make it the extravaganza it is today. The festival begins with the ceremonial delivery of the last canes and the crowning of the king and queen of the festival.

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Carnival - Trinidad - Caribbean carnival was introduced to the island in the 18th century by French settlers. Today, 2 days before Ash Wednesday, in the early hours of Carnival Monday, the rhythms of soca music signal the start of J'ouvert where thousands of Trinidadians parade the streets covered in melted chocolate, mud and paint. Tuesday brings the signature carnival parade where each band and float interprets and portrays an annual theme with its own historical or mythological significance.

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The most popular and wide spread festival in the Caribbean is Carnival. There are variations in it's nature and when it is celebrated. In some Caribbean countries it's celebration is timed to coincide with;

August 1st - Emancipation day

Monday and Tuesday before ash Wednesday due the Roman Catholic influence

Sugarcane Harvest - Barbados

Tourist Attractions "summer festival" - late June to July

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Bamboo dance done in Mari Mari Cultural Village

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Bamboo dance 2. Mari-Mari cultural village (Sabah, Borneo)

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In the Caribbean, dance forms range from the classical European and East Indian to the various hybrid forms that originated through the fusion of dance styles from the Europeans, Africans and other migrant groups.

Indigenous ceremonial dance - mari mari and bamboo dance (Guyana).

Folk dance - limbo (Trinidad), Goombay (Bermuda), Cakewalk (Grenada).

Spiritual Dances - dances associated with kumina, voodoo and orisha.

Popular dances - salsa, punta etc.

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Music from Various Caribbean Territories 

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Music from Various Caribbean Territories 

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Dominican Republic

Merengue - this was originally the national dance of the Dominican Republic and has both African and Spanish influences.

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Music from various Caribbean Territories

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Music from various Caribbean Territories

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Cuba

Salsa - this is a lively style of dance music with African and Spanish influences that originated in Cuba.

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Music from Various Caribbean Territories 

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Music from Various Caribbean Territories 

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Trinidad

Calypso - this form of music sought to expose the inequalities and oppression that originated from the Roman Catholic Church with wit and satire. Calypso now spans a broad spectrum from social and political commentary, to humorous, nationalistic and up tempo party music.

Soca - the term "soca" means 'soul-calypso' and is an energetic, disco-influenced spin-off of salsa.

Chutney - this form of music uses East Indian folk tunes, movie tunes and religious rhythms over a fast calypso or soca based beat. It is essentially a mixture of Bhojpuri music, and local music.

Steel pan music - steel band music originated in Trinidad and Tobago during the 1940s. Steel bands often play calypso tunes, folk music and classical music.

Parang - this type of music it was brought to Trinidad by Venezuelan migrants who were primarily of Amerindian, Spanish and African heritage. Today, parang is especially vibrant in communities such as Paramin, Lopinot and Arima.

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Mighty Sparrow-Jean & Dinah-The Lizard-Melda-Drunk & Disorderly (Medley)

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Mighty Sparrow. Long best medley version! Sparrow's Dance Party

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Music from various Caribbean territories

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Music from various Caribbean territories

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Jamaica - two of the most popular genres of music that derived from Jamaica are Reggae and Dancehall.

In its origin, reggae was associated with resistance and Rastafari as its message of defiance against British authority has linked together all who have been oppressed. It's appeal has long been its characteristic "spiritually conscious" lyrics.

Dancehall music is the more contemporary form of music in Jamaica, often played at parties. it's lyrics has moved away from spiritual and conscious themes and became more lewd.

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Caribbean music, a part of material culture, has developed from African, European, Asian and Indigenous influences with African music having the most dominate role. the African characteristics in Caribbean music are; close relationship between rhythm and speech tone, spontaneity in rhythm and melody and willingness of performers to extemporize.

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Art forms represent the culture of a particular people and the visual representation of human creative expressions. In the Caribbean several categories of art forms are recognized; literary arts (poetry, prose), performing arts (dance, drama, music, film) and visual arts (painting, sculpture, photography)

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Non-material culture refers to the intangible aspects of culture such as; language, religion, beliefs and values.

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The Caribbean's rich historical past provides us with many examples of material culture from various ethic groups such as food, musical instruments, music, art and architecture.

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The Caribbean is considered melting pot for a variety of cultures due to its rich history that consisted of colonization, slavery and indenture-ship which occurred in some territories.

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Culture can be defined as "the ways of life of a people of the lived experiences of a people demonstrated through their; values, norms, beliefs, customs, traditions, practices and behavior."