Literature and Art in Bahamas

The oral histories that have been passed down orally down the years in the Bahamas are rich in folktales, legends, heroic tales, and fairy tales. Novels, historical records, and poetry are examples of written literary works. The art of storytelling in the Bahamas is highly regarded, and the stories there frequently include clever themes.

The first Bahamian to publish a literary work was James Gambier, 1st Baron Gambier, in the year 1782. Landscapes, seascapes, and historical event paintings are typical types of artwork created by Bahamian artists and painters. Popular arts and crafts include wood carving, coral and stone art, and straw weaving (which results in lovely hats and baskets).