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Craft Techniques of Bahamas

The Depository documents 6 techniques in Bahamas; by risk level: 4 vulnerable, 2 stable. Each record opens with a public summary; the full research record is free to view once registered.

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Dyeing & Surface Design

  • Androsia Sea-Sponge-Stamped BatikDyeing & Surface Design · Vulnerable

    A distinctively Bahamian adaptation of Indonesian wax-resist batik, made entirely by hand on Andros Island using stamps carved from locally harvested sea sponge — themselves shaped into organic Bahamian motifs (conch shells, hibiscus…

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Mask, Puppet & Costume

  • Bahamian Junkanoo Costume MakingMask, Puppet & Costume · Stable

    The year-round hand-construction of elaborate, large-scale crepe-paper and cardboard costumes worn by competing groups in Nassau's Boxing Day and New Year's Day Junkanoo parades — the Bahamas' signature national cultural festival.

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Woodwork & Carving

  • Bahamian Native-Wood CarvingWoodwork & Carving · Vulnerable

    The hand-carving of local Bahamian hardwoods — including wild tamarind, horse flesh, lignum vitae, yellow wood, and mahogany — into figurative sculpture, marine-life pieces, and portraits of Bahamian cultural icons, described by…

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Painting & Decorative Arts

  • Bahamian Outsider Painting Tradition (Amos Ferguson Lineage)Painting & Decorative Arts · Stable

    A self-taught outsider-art painting tradition founded by Amos Ferguson (1920–2009), a Nassau house painter who took up fine art in his 40s after his nephew George described a dream in which Jesus told him Ferguson was 'wasting his talent.'…

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Metalwork & Jewelry

  • Bahamian Queen Conch Shell CarvingMetalwork & Jewelry · Vulnerable

    The cutting, carving, and polishing of queen conch (Strombus gigas) shells into jewelry, decorative sculpture, and functional objects such as bowls, prized for the shell's distinctive creamy-white base and soft pink interior coloration.

All metalwork & jewelry techniques worldwide →

Basketry & Woven Fiber

  • Bahamian Straw PlaitingBasketry & Woven Fiber · Vulnerable

    The hand-plaiting of silver top palm leaf and sisal fiber into named traditional patterns — including peas 'n rice, Bahama Mama, Jacob's ladder, sour sop, pineapple, and fish pot — subsequently woven or sewn into baskets, hats, bags, and…

All basketry & woven fiber techniques worldwide →