Page 16 - Pieces Of Jamaica
P. 16
1. Xaymaca
Land of Wood & Water
he earliest recognized inhabitants of Jamaica were Taino, from
the Arawak kingdom. They are believed to have traveled by boat
T from South America, making their homes in villages across the
island, hunting, farming and fishing peacefully. They were artists and
craftspeople who partook in both drugs and religion.
They called the island Xaymaca, which translates to “land of wood
and water.” Today, locals and visitors appreciate the breathtaking
landscapes of the island, which remains rich with these natural
treasures. Jamaica is blessed with towering mountains, rushing rivers
and verdant forests.
As an homage to the pristine place of our Arawak ancestors, a
proud contingent of whom remain on the island — closely connected
with Maroon communities and continuing to celebrate their
Indigenous traditions — we begin by exploring nature. This is the
Jamaica, land we love, from riverside to mountain and from cane field
to the sea.
From riverside to
mountain, from cane
field to the sea...
From Jamaica National Song, “Jamaica, Land of Beauty”
4 PIECES OF J AMAICA
