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The culture of
Jamaica has been deeply influenced by the disparate
societies that at various times colonized the island. Today,
Jamaica's people blend traditions from African, European,
Arabic, East Indian, Chinese, and East Mediterranean
descent. The indigenous Arawak never rooted their culture in
Jamaica, because they were largely wiped out by disease
introduced by Spanish settlers. Britain's 300-year
occupation is reflected in both language and customs of
Jamaica.Edna Manley, wife of Norman Manley, Jamaica's first
prime minister, was instrumental in bringing Jamaican art to
the world's attention. From the 1920s until her death in
1987, Manley worked tirelessly to promote Jamaican music,
sculpture, dance and other art forms. |
