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 True
to the Jamaican motto “Out of Many One People” Sara David Jamaican
Crafts is the merging of two cultures - Jamaican and Israeli,
to bring you beautifully made, colorful, traditional Jamaican
crafts and cultural motifs made by local artists. The merging
of these cultures unites the fragments of an artistic community
that spans geographic regions.
Although over 90% of Jamaica
is comprised of individuals of African descent, the influence
of other ethnic groups such as the Indians, the Chinese, the
Germans, the Jews, and the Syrians/Lebanese to the social and
economic development of the country are evident. Crafts are
influenced by African, Indian, European and Arawak cultures.
Depicting life and landscape, Jamaican paintings feature bright
colors, boldly defined lines and strong artistic integrity
that fully enhance the appeal of the art work.
Crafts frequently found in Jamaica include
its own unique artistic items often inspired by the Rastafarian
culture that is so iconic on the island. Rastafarians support
values such as equality and brotherhood. Haile Selassie made
extreme use of the symbols of the dynasty of King Solomon and
claimed to be a descendent of King Solomon and the Queen of
Sheba, calling himself `Lion of Judah' and linking himself
to the sanctity of the Jewish people.
The crafts are the creations of Jamaican artists who use natural
materials to design one-of-a-kind designs, and as a result,
similar products vary item to item. The handmade goods of this
Caribbean island are popular – particularly as souvenirs with
people of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds.
If there was something you hoped to find here but did not,
please send us a note.
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