In the Caribbean, a small archipelago comprising 40 low-lying coral islands in the Atlantic Ocean is called the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).
The Turks & Caicos Islands are known for their white sandy beaches and beautiful coral reefs. The TCI is also famous for its diving destination for snorkelers and scuba enthusiasts looking for clear oceans and thriving marine life. Unfortunately, little is known or taught about the culture besides the information passed down from the older generation.
One of the islands' essential cultural aspects is the National Costume. The National Costume was introduced on June 1, 2002. The female costume has three different designs. The first design consists of a full white dress with puffy sleeves, an elasticated neckline, a sash that ties at the waist, and a wide-brimmed straw hat. On each sleeve is a band of four vibrant colors, and at the hem of the dress, there is another band of four different colors.
This is one of the three designs of the Turks and Caicos Islands National costume designed by David Bowen. Photograph: InterCaribbean Airways
The second design for the national costume is a full white dress with an off-shoulder ruffle with a sash that ties at the waist and a headscarf that matches the waistband. The third design is a two-piece outfit, and the bottom is a long white skirt with a band of colourful strips at its hem. The Top is an off-shoulder halter top with various bright bands of colours on the ruffles.
The second design of the female national costume and the male’s equivalent. Photograph: Loved to death: (‘Turks and Caicos' battle to save the queen conch’, BBC News, February 2, 2020)
The Third design of the national costume. Photograph: Turks and Caicos Islands Image Gallery.
The male's costume consists of a loose button-down collared white shirt with different bands of colours on each sleeve. On the right sleeve are bands of four colours that appear on the sleeves of the female costume, and on the left is a band of four colours on the hem of the female dress. The pants are loose white bottoms folded at the hem; the outfit is complete with a straw hat wrapped around with a coloured sash.
While wearing this dress, you examine the band's colour around the waist or hat to identify which island a person resides on. You can find female and male dolls wearing the national dress in shopping plazas such as Salt Mills, Regent Village, TCI Cultural Marketplace, Mama's Gift Shop and Ocean Club West Plaza. The National Costume is used during national events and festivities.
Well-known resort Beaches also use the National Costume during their national events. A Former worker from Beaches states. "The guest was really excited to be on the property and felt honoured that we wore the national dress to greet them, which made them ask different questions about the island and the colours National Costume. I would explain to them how each colour represented an Island and what that island is known for. The resort also used the costume during checkouts, Thursday beach parties, and parades."
The eight colours represented on the dress hold great significance to the Islands of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The colours represent the Islands and Cays and the National Identity of the TCI.
The red represents the fruit found on the national plant, the Turks Head Cactus and the nation's capital, Grand Turk.
The colour white represents Salt Cay and the salt industry.
Orange represents South and East Caicos. The colour signifies the Spiny Lobster and fish and reflects the fishing industry on these Islands.
Tan defines Middle Caicos and the colour of thatch, a material that once covered the roofs of the houses in the TCI. Thatch is also the material needed to make straw hats, baskets and brooms.
The colour green represents North Caicos and Parrot Cay. The colour also symbolises the fertility of these islands and the fruit trees and vegetation that grow there.
Turquoise represents the islands of Providenciales, Pine Cay and West Caicos. The colour is reminiscent of the gorgeous turquoise waters surrounding the islands where the famous Caicos fishing sloops sail.
Pink embodies the beautiful conch shell, flamingos and the numerous uninhabited cays comprising the island chain.
Yellow represents the 365 days of the sun shining down on all the islands and cays.
Not a lot is known about the Turks and Caicos Islands' culture. Though the islands are beautiful and substantial tourist attractions, it is still essential to grasp something about their culture.
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