Culture
Language, diversity, participation, and dialogue are considered pivotal by UNESCO in the development and integration of various facets of life, such as work place, public services and schools. “The links between language, culture and the environment suggest that biological, cultural and linguistic diversity should be studied together, as distinct but closely and necessarily related manifestations of the diversity of life on Earth. Researchers have referred to this new field of study as “biocultural diversity”.”
The Bahamas has a dynamic history, heritage, and ‘fusion’ of traditions, yet having a distinct and defined culture. Christopher Columbus’ “discovery” in 1492 of the islands and encounter with the indigenous people, known as the Lucayan Indians named the archipelago ‘Baja Mar’ a Spanish term for shallow seas. The geographical location of the islands made it an ideal settlement in the 17th century for the Puritans seeking religious freedom, the Loyalist fleeing from America with their slaves after the War of Independence, freed Africans, and immigrants such as Chinese, Greek, and islanders of the Caribbean.
Cultural Expression:
Bahamian culture and art is expressed in various forms. The Junkanoo parade commemorates the expression of freedom of Africans, those taking from their homeland having a desire and zeal to become a free people, portrayed through an array of colorful costumes, energetic dance, and rhythmic music and sounds of the horns, whistles, cow bells, and drums. Though the parade resembles Rio de Janerio’s Carnival and Mardi Gras in New Orleans, it is distinct and unique to the Bahamas.
Music and Dance:
The development of Bahamian music is rooted in Rake N’ Scrape, which in the beginning stages various common working tools and objects were adapted and used as instruments. For instance, a conch shell was used to replicate the sound of the horn and a carpenter’s saw continues to be used today giving the music its signature sound. Today, the music is played with contemporary instruments such as the electric guitar, saxophone, and drums. The music accompanies dances such as the Quadrille and the Heel and Toe Polka, having been influenced by African and European dance.
Pompey Museum: Built in the 18th century and given the historic name Pompey, commemorating a slave who lived at Steventon on the island of Exuma. The building at the time was known as "Vendue" meaning sold in French. It functioned as a marketplace until the late 1800's and today it is a historic museum containing a collection of artifacts found on the plantations and art works by local internationally acclaimed artists such as Amos Ferguson, depicting the events and life experiences of the period.