The Dominican Republic is an island nation of rich culture and lasting tradition, located in the Caribbean Sea. Winning its status as an independent republic in 1844, the republic is best known for its beaches, resorts, and unique history (Brown, 1999). However, it is perhaps the unique blend of cultural influences from around the world that make this beautiful island the fascinating area it is today. Its influences, stemming from African, Taino, Spanish, and English origin, combine to create an experience more unique than those found almost anywhere in the world.

             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 addition, the Tainos introduced the use of the yucca plant as a basis for cassava bread, a type of bread found only in the Dominican. In addition to being a staple of the food culture of the area, it is believed that the Taino's refusal to bake this bread for the coming Spaniards of the late 1400's eventually caused their own demise (Brown, 1999). The Tainos also introduced tobacco to the area.

             Artistically, the Taino influence continues to surface, and in some cases, even resurface in today's more blended cultural system of the Dominican Republic. Numerous samples of Taino art have been recovered through archeological excavation, comprising of stone-carved figurines, baskets, and woodcarvings.