Jamaica Antiques
Priceless Jamaican Artifacts

Old Jamaica Antique Map

Jamaica Antiques

Our rich history has made us one of the most adored islands in the world. If you recall, we inherited strong roots from the Arawaks, Spanish, British and Africans, plus the many other minority nationals including the Chinese, Syrians, Jews, Indians and Lebanese.

The evolution and amalgamation of these cultures not only enabled us to create masterpiece products depicting the beautiful blend of cultures, but also afforded us the exposure to many of the unique products from each of these cultures in their time. Many of these products have become relics or artifacts.

Perhaps the least available today are those from the Arawaks era, but the folks at the White Marl Arawak Museum in St. Catherine must be commended for their fine work in helping us to retain much of what these loving people contributed to us.

This museum, built in the shape of an Arawak hut is located on the site of an Arawak village.

This small museum faithfully records the contribution made by the Arawaks to our culture as well as their way of life. There are hunting and fishing implements, jewelry, carvings and pottery.

The contribution of the English, Spanish and African is quite significant. We still relish some to the old European and African magnum opus. Among these are specially hand crafted picture frames, household items, sculptures and furniture.

Our African ancestors’ contribution in perhaps the most significant and since over 90% of our population has African roots, its no surprise the deep concentration of African artistic influence we are blessed with.

Much of these old are now highly prized due to their intricate designs, beauty, uniqueness and creative features including charming, quaint chairs made from special long lasting woods with adroitly carved designs.

In the past it amazes me some of the items we were cherishing as antiques but as I grew, I recognized their purpose.

Some of the antiques we cherish today includes...

• crystal & wooden dolls
• housewares
• record players
• telephones
• decorative accessories
• chinaware
• maps
• & even coal pots

Some pictures are below.

Jamaican three foot pot

Jamaican sud iron

The Trunk

Jamaican record changer (turntable)

Jamaican Juke box

Jamaican old sugar boiler pot

By the way, coal pots, generally used for cooking, were also used (back in the days) with heating irons, which would be used to iron lighter clothing such as shirts and women's dresses.

Heavier self-heating irons were used to straighten out work clothes and heavy trousers.

I remember my GrandMa’s own 'selfheater', I used it to iron my school uniform.

Maps also seem to be one of the popular Jamaica antiques item nowadays. Since colonial government the structure of the parishes has been changed at least three times.

During each change, maps are created depicting the new geographical set up and boundaries.

These maps depict these changes as they were in their original forms on special parchment papers. What makes these antique maps even more special are the frames in full-color antique (dirty brown and black). 

No Jamaican antique collection would be complete without mats and rugs though. With the majority of our earlier mats and rugs being hand woven from natural grasses, these have become family heirlooms.

If we were covering the floors so intricately, you know that we are also brandishing the like to our bedrooms; a very popular bedroom fixture was the "bathroom in the bedroom combination". This included a water jug, a face basin, and a chimmy (potty) made from enamel.

Of course, a special set was put aside for guests or special occasions. This is still a trend in many of our rural communities.

So anyways, grab a few to celebrate and share our rich Jamaican heritage.

Other Pages Related To Jamaica Antiques

And please, don't miss these exciting pages either:

• What is Jamaica Day about?
• Jamaican Celebrations & Historical Traditions
• Traditional Jamaica Clothing - Symbolizing Our Heritage
• The History of Jamaica - The True Story
• Jamaican Art
• Map of Jamaica
• Blank Map of Jamaica
• Intriguing Facts About Jamaica
• Colonial History of Jamaica
• Pictures from Jamaica
• Jamaican Cities
• Jamaican Products/Services
• Our Jamaican Blog
• Our Discussion Forums

Return to Jamaica Culture from Jamaica Antiques
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Jamaica Antiques

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.

Back To The Top Of This Page

New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿

You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise! JAMAICA On A Budget is your passport to experiencing what I call 'The Real Jamaica' on a budget! I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now!

See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!

My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers.

Read More ...

New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!

---

P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for? 
Still need help?

Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!

Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.

---

SHOP JAMAICAN Book Local Tours

Book Your Vacation Travel TIPS and Cautions

Watch My Videos!

Featured Video!

Travelling To Jamaica? 

Read this BEFORE you go

👇🏿

Recent Articles

• 
• 
• 

1. 101 Medicinal Herbs Of Jamaica- Top Natural Healing Herbs Of Jamaica

   Nov 20, 24 09:27 PM

   
   Here they are! The top 101 medicinal herbs of Jamaica. These ancient wonders that have provided effective natural healing from our parents and fore-parents. Ready?

   Read More

2. Does Jamaica Recognize Common Law Marriage?

   Nov 20, 24 11:50 AM

   
   To marry or not to marry? Once frowned upon, there’s much more leniency for common-law relationships these days. Does Jamaica Recognize Common Law Marriage?

   Read More

3. Can Jamaican Black Castor Oil Be Used On Your Face?

   Nov 19, 24 05:29 PM

   
   We have long discovered the great benefits of castor oil for our hair. But can Jamaican Black Castor oil be used on your face?

   Read More

4. Jamaica4-H Clubs Embrace Technology to Engage Youth

   Nov 16, 24 11:14 PM

   The Jamaica 4-H Clubs are taking significant steps to integrate technology into their agricultural initiatives, aiming to captivate and involve more young

   Read More

5. Jamaica Aims to Lead Global Health and Wellness Tourism

   Nov 16, 24 11:10 PM

   Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has announced plans to position Jamaica as a premier global destination for health and wellness tourism. The island’s

   Read More