Category:Jamaican culture

From Jamaica Wiki

The long and controversial history of Jamaica is represented in its rich cultural blend. The native inhabitants of the island, the Spanish conquerors and the British made major contributions. However the dominant influence in the Jamaican culture is by the African slaves.

The native inhabitants of the island - Arawak or Taino natives left some interesting cultural elements of the current Jamaican culture. Some words have their roots in the old Taino language.

The colonization and the slavery that followed had a devastating impact over the Jamaican culture. The native languages were banned, as well as the native religions such as Orishas. European languages were imposed. Moreover most of the cultural practices were banned and European were imposed in their place. The typical clothing and jewellery often never reached Jamaica as they were stolen enslavers before boarding 'slave ships'.

Despite the strong cultural offence the African Jamaican population managed to save their culture by developing a great cultural resistance. Signs of it are seen in the development of the Maroon communities, the recreation of African inspired musical forms, dances, words, the love of 'African' physical features, the retention of African spirituality.

Since the independence the culture of Jamaica was on its way to the quick recovery. There were many newborn writers, musicians and artists who revived the Jamaican culture.

Nowadays the reference to Africa and black people in the Jamaican culture is quite strong. However culture still retains elements of anti-dark and pro-light complexion prejudice.

Dance is an important part of culture in Jamaica as well. There are three categories of traditional Jamaican dances - African, European and Creole. The Africa dance tradition is presented by religious (Kumina, Myal and Pocomania) and social dances. The Jamaican Creole dances present a mix of both European and African cultures.

Jamaican theater and film making industry have developed. The first theater was built in 1682. Later on more theaters opened. After the abolishment of slavery Jamaican people started to feature humor, dance and music in their theater performance. Indeed Jamaican theater style developed slowly however not there are several theater forms that are typical for the island. The most popular and the most loved one by the locals is the "root" theater.

Jamaican film industry is not a strong one however it is developing. Some of the most popular Jamaican movies are The Harder They Come, Shottas, Third World Cop, and Dancehall Queen.

Jamaican literature started from folklore tales. The main element of these early tales was humor. Jamaica has its famous writers as well - Derek Walcott, Claude McKay and Louis Simpson.