Of these influences, the Taino Indian culture is the first that can be noted in almost all areas of life in the Dominican Republic. The Tainos inhabited the island from before 11 A.D. through the colonization of the island by Columbus and the Spanish in 1492 (Brown, 1999). From the agricultural practices and foods to the religion and art, the impact of the early Taino Indians is clear.

Agriculturally, the Taino Indians established a system for preserving meat by salting and barbecuing the food (Brown, 1999). Today, the barbecued meats of the Dominican Republic are a mainstay of the culture, heralded the world round as some of the most unique cuisine. In additi

Religiously, the Taino influence is more subtle, yet still present. The Taino's belief system consisted of the luases, which consist of the powers of fire, water, earth, and wind. While current religions in the Dominican are primarily of Catholic or voodoo decent, the influence of the luases presents its self in both religions extensively (Brown, 1999).

From the drug and hippie cultural influence of the 1960's to the age of freedom and recklessness of the 1970's, the new culture of the Dominican has expanded to include fast food, clothing extravagance, and drug use. Previously rural and farming communities have advanced with the help of the technology of the United States, and with a more favorable political policy, the influence on the Dominican Republic will be lasting (Brown, 1999).

Influences of African cultures are also present in the Dominican Republic. In the 1993 census, many Dominicans reported themselves as having African decent, clearly showing the influence of early Spanish slaves on the previous Indian population of the area (Kryzanek, 1992). Perhaps the most dominant example of the African influence is the rate of polygamy and matriarchy. In the more remote regions of the island, away from the tourist areas, many families are dominated by the female presence. An equal number of households closer to the center of the island practice polygamy (Brown, 1999).

The Dominican Republic is a unique blend of cultures, representing thousands of years of influence from all over the world. From a Spanish language, to music with African influences, to a mainstay menu with Taino Indian traits, there is no question that the culture of the Dominican is one of vast historical importance. With the newly added influences from the United States, the isla

Some common words found in the essay are:
Dominican Republic, Republic Numerous, Additionally Spanish, Originating Africa, Religiously Taino, Taino Indian, Sea Winning, dominican republic, Taino Indians, Taino African, African Taino, brown 1999, culture dominican, spanish influence, taino influence, dominican republic lasting, african influences, island practice, tainos introduced, mass played, republic lasting, culture dominican republic, brown 1999 additionally, additionally spanish influence, 1999 additionally spanish,
Approximate Word count = 1195
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)