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The crafts of the Caicos Islands are geared towards to the practical aspects of island life. Farming and fishing are the way of life for the people here and the need for basket weaving, net making, plaiting palm leaves for straw hats, weaving fanner dishes and bowls, and binding mosquito brushes is prevalent here. The majority of craftsmen are found on Middle Caicos, in the settlements of Conch Bar, Bambarra and Lorimers.The craftspeople keep this aspect of the culture alive by teaching the younger people of the settlements the skills needs for making crafts. Nets are used for catching fish and turtles while woven baskets and bags transport the catch as well as the crops. During the long hours in the sun straw hats provide much needed relief as farmers use fanner dishes to separate the chafe from the corn when making grits. Broom and brushes are made from silver palm fronds, and mosquito brushes are woven to keep the bugs away from the fields.
The Turks & Caicos Islands are a popular spot for local and foreign artists who are inspired by beautiful land, seascapes and colorful characters of the natives. The main techniques favored by artists are oil and watercolor with the colorful influence and broad styles of the neighboring Haiti and Dominican Republic playing a large role in themes and subject matter of the paintings. Art galleries around the islands sell the works of the artists working here, both foreign and Caribbean.
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