Caribbean art history is an integral part of Caribbean history that offers important insight into the unique cultural aspect of the Caribbean people and their way of life. Like all other cultures, Caribbean art history has evolved over many years largely influenced by external factors that no doubt left a lasting effect in their way of life.
Most notable factors that influenced and shaped Caribbean history in general include the European colonialists, climate, topography, religion and the sea (Wilde 2). Among the various islands that make up Caribbean, Haiti is the island most recognized for its world class art heritage that is very prized and renowned worldwide. In this paper we are going to discuss Caribbean art history and its influence by summarizing various key articles on the subject as well as the spiritual influence.
The Afro-Spanish spirituality was one of the influential factors that significantly shaped the present day Caribbean art history in more than one way. The Caribbean Art history is comprised of five key components; folk arts, folk festivals, popular music, folk institutions and folk religions practices (Wilde 3). The West Africa slave trade route for instance was responsible for migration of millions of slaves to Caribbean islands who brought with them rich cultural heritage from this region.
The interactions of the African culture heritage with Spanish culture that was indigenous to Latin America is believed to have led to the Caribbean identity that is comprised of Blacks, Spanish and indigenous. Regardless of race, Caribbean people are unified by common characteristics that include similar colonial experience, ethnicity and common agricultural activities.
Religion is another important element of the Caribbean people that is found to be in existence at every level of the society although the actual religion beliefs differ among various communities (Thames 3).
The aspect of religion in any given society serves important functions that essentially promote the unity, peace and wellbeing of the community members. It is regarded as one of the most influential social factors that significantly impacts on the way of life of a community since it defines its social environment as well as physical relationship of the community and the environment.
From a personal perspective, religion is very critical since it provides society members with a sense of direction, hope, faith, meaning and an inner belief that they can trust. Another important function of religion in a society is the aspect of faith that enables society to rely on, knowing that it can be used to promote society and individual wellbeing through giving of sacrifices that are meant to appease gods and prevent bad luck.
Folk Catholicism is one form of religion in Caribbean that is well captured in the people’s art history through paintings and practices. Catholicism religion for instance involves three elements of devotion that include syncretism, appropriation and innovation, for each of these elements the religion beliefs are rooted in specific practices.
In Trinidad another form of religion belief exist that is different from Catholicism, some of the religion beliefs practiced by inhabitants includes making farm sacrifices to spirits named di that are believed to bless and bring about bountiful harvests.
The influence of other cultures can be found at most other areas of Caribbean history, especially in the religion of the society. There is no doubt that these cultural influences are also responsible for shaping other areas of the Caribbean art history as well.
Works Cited
Thames, H. Latin America: Ancient History, 2007. Web.
Wilde, A. History of Caribbean Art: Spotlight Haiti, 2010. Web.