Dominican Cultural Items & Musical Instruments

Music Instruments -are unique musical instruments that represent the Caribbean rhythm, soul. and the Caribbean mix culture of the people (Tainos, Europeans and Africans) They are the key sound of our Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, Son and many other dances and rhythms.

Wooden Carvings * “Mininas” - are hand carved art pieces made of Mahagony and painted with bright colors representing the cultural diversity of the Dominican people (Indigenous, African, & European). It is said that the word “Mininas” refers to the term used by Spaniards during the colonialization period for the “small people” who took care of their children or their “Nanies”. These pieces are made by local craftsmen and their families.

* Wooden Masks are Afro-Haitian in origins are hand carved and displayed in many homes. It represent their cultural roots and traditions.

Dominican “Diablos Cojuelos” Carnival Masks – are handmade of paper-mache, they are coloful, and are use for carnivals throughout the country, representing traditional characters of the Dominican folklore. The “uglier” they are, the more “beautiful” they are. The artists take in pride in their creations

Ceramic Dolls – Hand made and painted “faceless dolls” famous in the Dominican Republic

Haitian Folk Art Paintings - Handpainted oil and acrilic painted by local artists representing the culture and traditions of the Haitian culture

The Tambora (drum) and Bongos are used in Merengue and Salsa Music	"Jututo" a Bamboo wind instrument played for Gaga Festivals	Tambora with Cuban “Shaker” Güiro Gord and Maracas
The Güira is a key instrument in the Dominican music	Dominican Drums – Great for Children and display/decoration	Hand Painted and Carved Maracas
Wood Carvings - Mininas	Large Minina	Las Palomas
Pilons are used in the Caribbean Islands and come from the African culture. They are used in kitchens to prepare mashed spices and foods. Dominican pilons are made of a special hard wood called “Guayacan”	Medium Pilons #10	Wide Mouth Pilon # 12 Excellent for “Mofungo”
Large Pilon # 14	Medium Pilones # 10	Small Pilon # 8
PA..0048	Tostoneras
6035	6038	6051
6041	6036	5856
8255	8251	8308 Cow Horn Jewelry