Art in Mauritius

Mauritius is a world of culture and traditions, a mosaic of ethnic groups due to which it has inherited great cultural traditions of Europe, Asia and Africa. Mauritian identity is not a uniform or static concept. It is dynamic and constantly changing and evolving through interaction with other cultures and ideas. Art and entertainment is under the Ministry of Art and Culture to foster a balanced and harmonious Mauritian society through consolidation of existing pluralism, promotion of creativity, preservation, fostering and celebration of cultural values and maintaining and upgrading cultural infrastructure. Handicrafts mirror peoples’ degree of civilization. Handicrafts date back to the colonial period and are a fusion of French and Afro Asian cultures. The National Handicrafts Promotion Agency in Mauritius works to promote the same. Some popular handicrafts are pottery, ship models, tropical batiks, textiles, paintings, jewellery, baskets, wooden art, cabinet work, Chinese embroidery and souvenir items.

 

Music, Dance and Drama

The Creole language is the medium of the indigenous music and dance form of Mauritius – The Sega. The only original music and national music and dance is Sega. It is based on 3 basic instruments : the Ravanne – a wooden hoop with goat skin stretched over it, the Maravanne – percussion section and the Triangle – a triangular piece of metal which tinkles when tapped with an iron rod, along with a tribal based drumbeat beating to African rhythms. Sega is the music, song and dance choice played to tourists as a taste of local art and culture. Bhojpuri songs of Indian origin are also very popular , especially in the interiors. Popular music from the west and India are widely listened to.

Drama is an important performing arts in Mauritius. Serge Constantin Theatre and Pointe Canon Open Theatre promote drama.

 

Handicrafts

Cabinetwork

This was born under Mahe de la Bourdonnais, who brought highly gifted cabinet workers from Pondicherry, India. They are to be credited for the island’s colonial style houses, furniture, pelmets, canopies and pediments.

 

Basketwork

This is one of the most ancient activities. Cocoas, aloe, vetiver, sugarcane leaves, raphia and bamboo are all used to make special soft baskets also called “Tente”. Other products made are hats, mats, carpets and lamp shades. Fibres, seeds, straws from acacia, banana tree, honeysuckle, maize leaves are utilized to make jewellery and souvenirs.

 

Ship Models

Ship models represent the best image of Mauritian handicraft. The craftsmen operate with tremendous patience in recreating exact replicas of ships from 1700’s. Starting with intricate drawings, meticulous assembling to the final product. Time consuming job but they deliver a masterpiece when complete.