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The Bahamas are located in the Atlantic Ocean east of Cuba
and Florida; the Bahamas are actually over 700 islands. When Columbus
discovered them in 1492, they were the home of the Lucayan Indians. Tourism
is the major industry here and the low-lying islands are ringed by coral
reefs and beautiful water. The name Bahama comes from baja mar - or shallow
seas - and was first named by Christopher Columbus. The Bahamas are home to
the clearest water in the world. The Bahamian culture is known for bright
colors and lively music, and you always find this combination in a Junkanoo
parade. The four how-to crafts in this program include: Junkanoo Costume;
Painted Cowbells; Wooden Wind Chimes; Paper Conch. 08DR/CC
Closed-Captioned PI 30 min. Also See: The Bahamas |
| The Philippines are actually made up of 7100 islands; this is called an archipelago. Located north of the equator in the westernmost Pacific Ocean, the Philippines are north of Indonesia and directly east of Vietnam, a part of the East Indies. The people here are known as Filipinos. The Philippines is a place of contrasts. There are very modern areas, as well as ancient tribal communities here. Filipinos have diverse cultural traditions, which are rooted in their Asian, English and Spanish history; also the traits and behavior of Filipinos are influenced by the isolation of each island. The four how-to crafts in this program include: Sarimanok; Inlay Box; Palm Frond Tote; Parol. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned PIA 30 min. |
| Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean. Located off the southwest tip of Italy, it shares many cultural traditions with Italy, but also has a culture all its own. Because of its history and location, there is evidence of Asian, African and European traditions, especially from Greece and Italy. Sicily is a unique place for art, archeology, history and folklore; it too is known for great food and strong family values. The four how-to crafts in this program include: Coffa Basket; Bread Board; Pasta Jars; Terra Cotta. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned PI 30 min. |
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New Zealand is made up of 2 major islands and is located
southeast of Australia; it is a very mountainous country with some large
coastal plains. Tourism is the largest growth industry here. It was
originally settled by the Maori people, a combination of Iwi, Hapu and
Whanua; the name Maori is derived from Ma-Uri, which means "children of
heaven." Originally, they were hunters, but became farmers. Today the
approximately 500,000 Maori live manly in cities, but are closely connected
to their tribes. The four how-to crafts in this program include: Maori
Kite; Jade Koru Pendant; Maori Pendant; Sand Cards. 08DR/CC
Closed-Captioned PI 30 min. Also See: New Zealand: An Insider's Look; Adventure 9: New Zealand |
| Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world, located just 250 miles from the east coast of Africa. In the late 1690's and early 1700's, Madagascar was a refuge to pirates because of the Indian Ocean trade routes; it is also know as the great Red island. The main languages spoken here are Malagasy and French. Historically, the traditions are rooted in their Indonesian and African ancestors. The four how-to crafts in this program include: Treasure Chest Jewelry Box; Snake; Sunset Moth; Wooden Spoons. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned PI 30 min. |
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Taiwan is part of the Republic of China between the
Philippines and Japan. Its culture is influenced by China, but also has
elements of Japan and the west. Many traditional values are based on
Confucianism, a system of thought developed from the teachings of Confucius.
It covers conduct, practical thought and social rules; also many ideas that
are related to family. The four how-to crafts in this program include:
Feng Shui Wind Chimes; Chinese Zodiac (Rooster); Wood Weaving; Plum
Blossom Branch and Sachet. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned PI 30 min. Also See: Asia 2: Taiwan - Taipei |
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Puerto Rico is located southeast of Cuba and Hispaniola in
the Caribbean Sea; it is a self-governing territory of the U.S. Puerto Rico
is Spanish for "rich port." Compared to some of the other islands in the
Caribbean, Puerto Rico has a high standard of living with a vibrant
industrialized economy. Spanish and English are the island's official
languages. Puerto Rican culture is committed to music and dance; it is
known for folk songs, ballads and classical music, as well as Latin dancing,
such as the Salsa. The four how-to crafts in this program include: Sand
Castle Glitter Globe; Red and White Jar; Puerto Rican Mask; Crayon
Frame. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned PI 30 min. Also See: Caribbean 8: Puerto Rico - The Old and the New; Puerto Rico; Puerto Rico; Puerto Rico: Of Thee We Sing; Caribbean, The: Islands of Eden |
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Cuba was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492 and is
the largest island in the West Indies. Located south of Florida, it is
semi-tropical and has over 3500 small islands surrounding the main island.
Music and dance personifies the culture here, especially the traditional
Salsa. Cuba's proximity to Haiti, the United States, Mexico, and Jamaica has
allowed people to migrate easily onto and off of the island causing a
diverse culture. The four how-to crafts in this program include:
Surrealistic Painting; Hidden Symbol Sugar Bowl; Cuban Tody Bird; Ruffled
Rumba Conga Shakers. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned PI 30 min. Also See: Cuba on Fire: Mythologies and Origins of Carnival; Cuba: Viva La Revolucion?; Cuba and Human Rights |
| Jamaica is the third largest island of the West Indies located in the Caribbean Sea south of Cuba, and known for its beautiful natural surroundings of mountains and beaches. Its cultural traditions reflect both African heritage and British style. It is named after the Native American word Xaymaca, which means "isle of springs." Reggae, a combination of African folk music and Calypso, which originated in Trinidad, is the dominant music style here. The four how-to crafts in this program include: Bandanna Pillow; Rasta Bracelets; Gourd Tote; Doctor Bird. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned PI 30 min. |
| The island of Hispaniola is home to both the Dominican Republic and Haiti; each country with two very different cultures. Dominicans speak Spanish and follow Spanish traditions; Haitians are mostly of African descent with French traditions. Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Haitian Creole language is part of a new movement to define the national culture reflecting African heritage. Creole has been added and accepted in many art forms, such as literature, dance, music and theater. The Dominican Republic is known for its music, Spanish and African traditions blend in the meringue. Another key tradition here is baseball, where baseball fields can be found in every community. The four how-to crafts in this program include: Baseball Pennant; Clay Dishes; Market Scene Sack; Street Artists Canvas. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned PI 30 min. |
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Tahiti is one of the 118 islands of French Polynesia.
Sometimes people refer to all of French Polynesia as Tahiti, but this is not
correct; it is the largest and most populated island, with the unique
capital city of Papeete. Tahiti is located about 2700 miles south of Hawaii
and 3600 miles east of Australia. French and Tahitian are the official
languages here. Artistic and cultural expression can be seen in woodcarving,
which is done primarily by men, and weaving of hats, purses, bags and mats
from plant fibers of the pandanus, coconut and reed. Other art forms are the
Tifaifai, which are hand-sewn bedcovers with plant and cultural themes.
Stone carvings are decorative and useful items; also they were once thought
to hold spiritual powers, and only trained specialists were allowed to carve
them. Another cultural craft tradition is mother of pearl, used for
embellishments and jewelry. The four how-to crafts in this program include:
Tiki Tapa Bookmark; Monkey Pod Drum; Fish Mobile; Tifaifai. 08DR/CC
Closed-Captioned PI 30 min. Also See: French Polynesia 1: Tahiti |
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Japan, or Nippon, means, "the land of the rising sun." Japan
consists of 4 major and over 4000 smaller islands and is a mostly
mountainous country. It is a major economic force in the world. Its culture
is ancient with centuries of Asian influence and tradition. Japanese culture
reveres simplicity, but loves ceremony and elaborate rituals. Many art forms
are represented in Japan and the practice of art is itself a cultural
tradition. The four how-to crafts in this program include: Eraser Prints;
Origami Scene; Kakejiku; Tanabata Lantern. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned PI
30 min. Also See: Japan; The Japanese Empire: 300 A.D. to 1800 A.D.; Japanese Flower Arranging - Ikebana; Japan: Ainu People of Hokkaido; Japan: Concrete Jungle; Japan: Sumo Basho |
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Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle for its beautiful
landscapes; it is the second largest of the British Isles, located east of
continental Europe. The Irish people are of Celtic origin, leading to many
of its traditions. Farming once was the traditional occupation of Ireland
and the Celtic style has many stylized plants and animals; not many people.
Celtic design uses curves, ellipses and spirals; usually made into intricate
geometric patterns that were found on shields, bowls, jewelry and even
pottery. Once Christianity took hold in Ireland, the Celtic designs combined
with Christian designs on religious pieces. The four how-to crafts in this
program include: Celtic Mermaid; Potato Putty; Bodhran (Drum) and Biddle
(Drumstick); Illuminated Manuscript. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned PI 30 min.
Also See: Ireland; Northern Ireland 1: Belfast and the Antrim Coast; Northern Ireland 2: County Fermanagh; Ireland: Celtic Myths and Splendors; Ireland: Irish Stories and Glories; Ireland: The Legendary Waters of Ireland; Ireland: Killarney - A History of Visiting; Ireland: The Benedictine Monks of Glenstal Abbey |