Arts and Crafts in the Dominican Republic
Dominican arts and crafts reflect the country’s history and eclectic mélange of inhabitants. The Taino, Spanish, and African legacies have continued in numerous provinces around the country. The Taino, who were expert handicraftsmen, left behind tools and items inspired from mythology, rituals, and everyday life. You’ll spot remakes of the water gourds they once used, made from the higüero tree and sometimes coconut, with more elaborate designs. The African and Caribbean influence appears in colorful paintings of every day village and island life–with the best selections found in galleries. You will also see it in wooden items, such as the mini mortar and pestle made from guayacan, found in nearly every Dominican home, and souvenir shops. Jewelry features strongly, as two precious stones are mined directly from the DR’s soils: amber and larimar. The most emblematic Dominican hand creations are the faceless dolls; most often made of ceramic, these elaborately dressed figurines lack facial features to reflect the fact that Dominicans are of mixed races, and embrace their unique heritage.
CRAFTS
There’s no shortage of handicrafts to take home. You will find items that are primarily made of plant fibers, clay, wood, paper, seeds, and precious stones.
Souvenir stores and art galleries abound across the main destinations. When shopping, look for a few signature items.
- Taino figurines, from deities to traditional tools, made of ceramic.
- Dominican music instruments in miniature or life sizes, made of wood, or painted bamboo, including drums and maracas.
- Elaborate, miniature carnival devil masks made of papier-mâché.
- Certified amber or larimar jewelry stores, some of which also show you the polishing process on site.
- Faceless dolls, made of ceramic, in varying sizes and colors.
- Hats, beach totes, and other accessories made from palm leaves.
- Figurines of cultural symbols like the rooster, musicians playing merengue, or religious figures, made of polychrome wood or ceramic.
- Colored carpet strips or “pellizas de colores,” made from jute fiber and rice bags, with the best selection often spotted on the road from Santiago to Bonao.
- Crafts made from recycled materials, such as Bonao’s colorfully painted flowerpots, made from old tires.
The Dominican Republic is a vibrant and diverse country with a rich cultural heritage, reflected in its unique art and crafts. From traditional pottery and basket weaving to contemporary paintings and sculptures, there is a vast array of creative expressions to discover in the Dominican Republic.
One of the most iconic and recognizable forms of Dominican art is the colorful and intricate handmade pottery, known as “Taino pottery”. These ceramics are decorated with geometric patterns and motifs, often inspired by the symbols and myths of the Taino people, the island’s original inhabitants. These pieces can be found in markets and galleries throughout the country, and are a popular souvenir for visitors.
Another popular craft in the Dominican Republic is basket weaving, which has a long history in the country. Woven from natural fibers such as palm leaves and sisal, these baskets come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are often adorned with colorful patterns and designs. They are commonly used for carrying produce and goods, and can also be found in homes as decorative items.
The country also has a thriving contemporary art scene, with many artists pushing boundaries and exploring new forms of expression. The Altos de Chavón School of Design, located in La Romana, is one of the most important art schools in the Caribbean, and has produced some of the country’s most talented artists. These artists work in a range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, and mixed media, and often incorporate themes and motifs from Dominican culture and history.
Visitors to the Dominican Republic can explore this rich artistic heritage by visiting local markets, galleries, and museums, where they can purchase unique and authentic handmade crafts, as well as view and appreciate the works of talented artists. Art and crafts in the Dominican Republic offer a window into the country’s rich history and culture, and are a must-see for anyone interested in the arts.
