50th Anniversary of Independence The Arrival
The indigenous people, primarily Caribs and Arawaks, were a thriving community whose deceptively uncomplicated lifestyle hid sophisticated systems of barter, government, trade and agriculture. The arrival of Christopher Columbus on his 3rd voyage in 1498 changed that forever. You can see the Trinity Hills in the foreground, which, the story goes, were spotted by Columbus as he sailed through the Columbus Channel, and which he named after the Holy Trinity. But can you spot the Amerindian child joining the adults on a hunting expedition? What about Columbus’ legendary ships?
The Africans
As do many of the other panels, this one merges the history of the people who came with their present-day descendants. Here we see a man beating African drums, still a prominent part of our culture. Masks and sculptures owe their history to that great continent, but can also be found in artisan’s stalls in Port of Spain or on any popular beach. Can you spot the Black Madonna, venerated by Christians, Hindus, Orisha and many others?
The East Indians
Classical dancers swirl, accompanied by the heart-stirring Tassa drums, the Tabla and the Sitar, under elaborately decorated archways. No elephants in Trinidad, you say? Ah, but the elephant is a symbol of prosperity, especially when its trunk is held aloft, and sculptures of them are proudly displayed outside and inside many homes. Can you see the soft-petalled lotus flower, which grows not only in India, but abundantly in rivers and streams throughout these islands?
The Europeans
Many European settlers came to these islands, primarily from Spain and France, but also from Britain and even Portugal. The crown of the English monarchy hovers above a proud lion. Find the water wheel which once stood on a plantation at Diego Martin, named after the Spanish explorer who settled there. You can also see many examples of European architecture, such as Queen’s Royal College, one of the Magnificent Seven which skirt the Queen’s Park Savannah. Spot the dramatic masks worn during the French masked balls, and the movement of the French Creole and Spanish Flamenco dancers. More to look out for: A military man on a horse; a gavel, the symbol of our British legal system; a cocoa pod producing some of the best chocolate in the world; and a Parang band. Ayee! Ayee!
Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago
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