< Previous38 WELCOME THE ISLANDS THAT TIME FORGOT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS is a must-stop on a trip to the Cayman Islands. It’s also a great place for residents to refresh their memories about the history and culture of the Cayman Islands. It is one of the nation’s most important cultural attractions. Not only does it house the islands’ national treasures, but it is the oldest public building in the Cayman Islands. Built in the 1830s for government business, it later served as a library, prison, and courthouse. The exhibits are a diverse and absorbing mix of items detailing the cultural and natural history of the Cayman Islands. There are about 9,000 artefacts in its permanent collection. Before strolling through the museum, take in a 15-minute introductory video. NATIONAL MUSEUM The courthouse (now the museum) overlooks Hog Sty Bay in the 1920s.38 WELCOME THE ISLANDS THAT TIME FORGOT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS is a must-stop on a trip to the Cayman Islands. It’s also a great place for residents to refresh their memories about the history and culture of the Cayman Islands. It is one of the nation’s most important cultural attractions. Not only does it house the islands’ national treasures, but it is the oldest public building in the Cayman Islands. Built in the 1830s for government business, it later served as a library, prison, and courthouse. The exhibits are a diverse and absorbing mix of items detailing the cultural and natural history of the Cayman Islands. There are about 9,000 artefacts in its permanent collection. Before strolling through the museum, take in a 15-minute introductory video. NATIONAL MUSEUM The courthouse (now the museum) overlooks Hog Sty Bay in the 1920s. Kay’s Fine Jewelry 6 Fort Street, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands 345.746.4500 THE PERFECT FIT FOR EVERY OCCASION FLEXIE™40 WELCOME THE ISLANDS THAT TIME FORGOT PRIDE IN CAYMAN’S NATURAL BEAUTY, and its flora and fauna, shines through in these much-loved national symbols. NATIONAL SYMBOLS COAT-OF-ARMS e Cayman Islands coat- of-arms consists of a shield, a crested helm, and the motto “He hath founded it upon the seas”. PARROT e Grand Cayman parrot is iridescent green with a white eye-ring, red cheeks, black ear patches and brilliant blue wing feathers. FLAG e Cayman Islands ag is a navy blue eld with a British Union Jack in the upper le corner and the coat-of-arms in a white circle. NATIONAL SONG “Beloved Isle Cayman” is the national song, which was written by the late Mrs. Leila Ross Shier in 1930. SILVER THATCH PALM e tall, slender silver thatch palm was an important national resource for early settlers, who used the leaves to make ropes, brooms and roofs. WILD BANANA ORCHID is is the best-known of Cayman’s 26 species of orchids. 41 WELCOME THE ISLANDS THAT TIME FORGOT TRADITIONAL CAYMANIAN HOMES such as these beautiful cottages are dotted around the islands. Increasingly rare, they provide a peek into how Caymanians lived in years gone by. CAYMANIAN COTTAGES40 WELCOME THE ISLANDS THAT TIME FORGOT PRIDE IN CAYMAN’S NATURAL BEAUTY, and its flora and fauna, shines through in these much-loved national symbols. NATIONAL SYMBOLS COAT-OF-ARMS e Cayman Islands coat- of-arms consists of a shield, a crested helm, and the motto “He hath founded it upon the seas”. PARROT e Grand Cayman parrot is iridescent green with a white eye-ring, red cheeks, black ear patches and brilliant blue wing feathers. FLAG e Cayman Islands ag is a navy blue eld with a British Union Jack in the upper le corner and the coat-of-arms in a white circle. NATIONAL SONG “Beloved Isle Cayman” is the national song, which was written by the late Mrs. Leila Ross Shier in 1930. SILVER THATCH PALM e tall, slender silver thatch palm was an important national resource for early settlers, who used the leaves to make ropes, brooms and roofs. WILD BANANA ORCHID is is the best-known of Cayman’s 26 species of orchids. 41 WELCOME THE ISLANDS THAT TIME FORGOT TRADITIONAL CAYMANIAN HOMES such as these beautiful cottages are dotted around the islands. Increasingly rare, they provide a peek into how Caymanians lived in years gone by. CAYMANIAN COTTAGES42 WELCOME THE ISLANDS THAT TIME FORGOT PEEK INTO CAYMAN’S PAST with a visit to the heritage sites that are dotted around-island, working your way from East End to West Bay. Here are a few examples: WRECK OF THE TEN SAIL Located off the coast in East End, The Wreck of the Ten Sail is Grand Cayman’s most famous shipwreck. In 1794, 10 British Royal Navy ships ran aground on the reef at night. It is said that King George III granted the island tax-free status as a reward for the heroic efforts by locals to save lives. There are no records of this royal decree, however. A monument and park in East End mark this site. THE MISSION HOUSE Overseen by the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, this historic home, built in the 1800s, is one of the oldest-known dwellings in Cayman. Situated in Bodden Town, it was once home to Presbyterian missionaries and educators. The site offers a window to the past, where visitors can get a feel for how early settlers lived. GUN SQUARE Also in Bodden Town, Gun Square was situated to defend the settlement from pirates and Spanish marauders in days of yore. There are two 18th century cannons in the square. PEDRO ST. JAMES This is an 18th century Caribbean great house, hailed as the birthplace of democracy in the Cayman Islands. Leaders of the day met at Pedro St. James in 1831 to form the first elected parliament on-island. It is sometimes referred to as Pedro Castle. Pedro St. James is on a left turn as you leave Bodden Town and head towards George Town. ‘MIND’S EYE’ – MISS LASSIE’S HOUSE Situated in South Sound, this cottage is an icon of Caymanian tradition, culture and art. It was the home of visionary artist Gladwyn “Miss Lassie” Bush, who began painting late in life. She created art inspired by Christian visions and Caymanian seafaring culture, which she saw in her ‘mind’s eye’. Her paintings adorn the walls, windows and ceilings of the little 19th century wattle-and-daub house. OLD SAVANNAH SCHOOLHOUSE This is a one-room, ironwood-posted schoolhouse which opened in 1940. The desks, ink bottles, ‘dip-in’ pens and blackboard harken back to the days when it served as a small school for children aged 7 to 14 in the district of Savannah. MARITIME HERITAGE TRAIL This trail is an initiative by the Cayman Islands National Museum, in partnership with the National Trust. The driving route, detailed in a brochure available at both the Museum and Trust, highlights important maritime locations including sites linked to shipbuilding, turtling and shipwrecks. NURSE LEILA’S HOUSE Constructed in 1917, this building in West Bay was home to nurse and midwife Irskie Leila Yates. The house is said to be the first wattle-and-daub home to have had glass windows installed. HERITAGE SITES Contact the National Trust for the Cayman Islands for more heritage site information or to book tours. nationaltrust.org.ky 43 WELCOME THE ISLANDS THAT TIME FORGOT Clockwise: Gun Square, Pedro St. James, Mission House, Wreck of the Ten Sail, Old Savannah Schoolhouse, Maritime Heritage Trail, Wreck of the Ten Sail, Miss Lassie’s house. 42 WELCOME THE ISLANDS THAT TIME FORGOT PEEK INTO CAYMAN’S PAST with a visit to the heritage sites that are dotted around-island, working your way from East End to West Bay. Here are a few examples: WRECK OF THE TEN SAIL Located off the coast in East End, The Wreck of the Ten Sail is Grand Cayman’s most famous shipwreck. In 1794, 10 British Royal Navy ships ran aground on the reef at night. It is said that King George III granted the island tax-free status as a reward for the heroic efforts by locals to save lives. There are no records of this royal decree, however. A monument and park in East End mark this site. THE MISSION HOUSE Overseen by the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, this historic home, built in the 1800s, is one of the oldest-known dwellings in Cayman. Situated in Bodden Town, it was once home to Presbyterian missionaries and educators. The site offers a window to the past, where visitors can get a feel for how early settlers lived. GUN SQUARE Also in Bodden Town, Gun Square was situated to defend the settlement from pirates and Spanish marauders in days of yore. There are two 18th century cannons in the square. PEDRO ST. JAMES This is an 18th century Caribbean great house, hailed as the birthplace of democracy in the Cayman Islands. Leaders of the day met at Pedro St. James in 1831 to form the first elected parliament on-island. It is sometimes referred to as Pedro Castle. Pedro St. James is on a left turn as you leave Bodden Town and head towards George Town. ‘MIND’S EYE’ – MISS LASSIE’S HOUSE Situated in South Sound, this cottage is an icon of Caymanian tradition, culture and art. It was the home of visionary artist Gladwyn “Miss Lassie” Bush, who began painting late in life. She created art inspired by Christian visions and Caymanian seafaring culture, which she saw in her ‘mind’s eye’. Her paintings adorn the walls, windows and ceilings of the little 19th century wattle-and-daub house. OLD SAVANNAH SCHOOLHOUSE This is a one-room, ironwood-posted schoolhouse which opened in 1940. The desks, ink bottles, ‘dip-in’ pens and blackboard harken back to the days when it served as a small school for children aged 7 to 14 in the district of Savannah. MARITIME HERITAGE TRAIL This trail is an initiative by the Cayman Islands National Museum, in partnership with the National Trust. The driving route, detailed in a brochure available at both the Museum and Trust, highlights important maritime locations including sites linked to shipbuilding, turtling and shipwrecks. NURSE LEILA’S HOUSE Constructed in 1917, this building in West Bay was home to nurse and midwife Irskie Leila Yates. The house is said to be the first wattle-and-daub home to have had glass windows installed. HERITAGE SITES Contact the National Trust for the Cayman Islands for more heritage site information or to book tours. nationaltrust.org.ky 43 WELCOME THE ISLANDS THAT TIME FORGOT Clockwise: Gun Square, Pedro St. James, Mission House, Wreck of the Ten Sail, Old Savannah Schoolhouse, Maritime Heritage Trail, Wreck of the Ten Sail, Miss Lassie’s house. 44 WELCOME THE ISLANDS THAT TIME FORGOT ITEMS MADE FROM THE FRONDS of the silver thatch palm play an important role in Cayman’s culture and history. In days gone by, ropes were made from the palm, which was a major industry for the islands. It was also used to thatch the roofs on wattle-and-daub houses, and for household essentials such as brooms, baskets and fans. Wide-brimmed hats made from silver thatch were worn to protect islanders from the searing sun. Nowadays, the craft of thatch-making can be seen at events such as farmers markets and heritage celebrations. Items fashioned from thatch, such as bags, make great souvenirs. THATCHING Thatch rope making, 1969.Handmade rope being shipped from George Town, 1952. Children making rope with a cob and winch (rope cart), c. 1940s-1950s.East End wattled house with thatch roof, 1949. 45 WELCOME THE ISLANDS THAT TIME FORGOT CAYMAN HAS ITS VERY OWN TRADITIONAL CRAFTS, the Cayman has its very own traditional crafts which make great keepsakes with their unique materials and designs. These include thatch items such as sunhats and bags, which have been adapted from old-time techniques. In days gone by, out of necessity, islanders used the leaves of the silver thatch palm tree to create essential goods. Nowadays they make great fashion statements on holiday or at home. Caymanite makes for another beautiful gift for yourself or others. This stone, found only in the Cayman Islands, is hand-hewn from the rocks and turned into stylish jewellery that is sure to turn heads. The gig, as the spinning top in Cayman is known, is a toy made by hand from local wood and shaped like an upside-down teardrop. Gigs are prized by children, collectors, and cultural custodians. Another item of unique function, fun and beauty is the wauri board, made from a single piece of wood, which is used to play a traditional game. Sometimes called a mancala board, the game is played with seeds, often nickernuts (seeds from the gray nickernut tree). Keep an eye open for these and other traditional crafts at markets and culture events. TRADITIONAL CRAFTS IM AG E: Pa tr ic e A . M or ga n for L au na 's C ay m an ite Je w el ry44 WELCOME THE ISLANDS THAT TIME FORGOT ITEMS MADE FROM THE FRONDS of the silver thatch palm play an important role in Cayman’s culture and history. In days gone by, ropes were made from the palm, which was a major industry for the islands. It was also used to thatch the roofs on wattle-and-daub houses, and for household essentials such as brooms, baskets and fans. Wide-brimmed hats made from silver thatch were worn to protect islanders from the searing sun. Nowadays, the craft of thatch-making can be seen at events such as farmers markets and heritage celebrations. Items fashioned from thatch, such as bags, make great souvenirs. THATCHING Thatch rope making, 1969.Handmade rope being shipped from George Town, 1952. Children making rope with a cob and winch (rope cart), c. 1940s-1950s.East End wattled house with thatch roof, 1949. 45 WELCOME THE ISLANDS THAT TIME FORGOT CAYMAN HAS ITS VERY OWN TRADITIONAL CRAFTS, the Cayman has its very own traditional crafts which make great keepsakes with their unique materials and designs. These include thatch items such as sunhats and bags, which have been adapted from old-time techniques. In days gone by, out of necessity, islanders used the leaves of the silver thatch palm tree to create essential goods. Nowadays they make great fashion statements on holiday or at home. Caymanite makes for another beautiful gift for yourself or others. This stone, found only in the Cayman Islands, is hand-hewn from the rocks and turned into stylish jewellery that is sure to turn heads. The gig, as the spinning top in Cayman is known, is a toy made by hand from local wood and shaped like an upside-down teardrop. Gigs are prized by children, collectors, and cultural custodians. Another item of unique function, fun and beauty is the wauri board, made from a single piece of wood, which is used to play a traditional game. Sometimes called a mancala board, the game is played with seeds, often nickernuts (seeds from the gray nickernut tree). Keep an eye open for these and other traditional crafts at markets and culture events. TRADITIONAL CRAFTS IM AG E: Pa tr ic e A . M or ga n for L au na 's C ay m an ite Je w el ry46 WELCOME THE ISLANDS THAT TIME FORGOT FOR A GREAT FAMILY DAY OUT, visit Cayman Turtle Centre, where you can see, swim with, and feed sea turtles. Located in West Bay, the conservation and education facility gives you the opportunity to interact with these fascinating creatures of the deep. Turtles are much-loved as a cultural symbol and are celebrated as an emblem on the national flag carrier, Cayman Airways, as well as being prominent on the country’s coat of arms. Cayman Turtle Centre also has other attractions such as a predator tank, bird aviary, an old-fashioned Caymanian street and a swimming lagoon. TURTLE TIME IM AG ES : C ay m an T ur tle C en tr e 47 WELCOME46 WELCOME THE ISLANDS THAT TIME FORGOT FOR A GREAT FAMILY DAY OUT, visit Cayman Turtle Centre, where you can see, swim with, and feed sea turtles. Located in West Bay, the conservation and education facility gives you the opportunity to interact with these fascinating creatures of the deep. Turtles are much-loved as a cultural symbol and are celebrated as an emblem on the national flag carrier, Cayman Airways, as well as being prominent on the country’s coat of arms. Cayman Turtle Centre also has other attractions such as a predator tank, bird aviary, an old-fashioned Caymanian street and a swimming lagoon. TURTLE TIME IM AG ES : C ay m an T ur tle C en tr e 47 WELCOME Inspiration is all around (345) 927-0536 • www.gordonsolomon.com By appointment only Visit Gordon Solomon Studio, Cayman Brac FOR ALL YOUR NEWS ABOUT THE CAYMAN ISLANDS. VISIT CAYMANCOMPASS.COM Explore exceptional paintings, majestic Caymanite sculptures, and handcrafted decorative pieces. Experience the essence of the islands in our curated collection. Pure Art Gallery & Gifts offers Cayman’s widest selection of artwork by local artists and artisans www.pureart.ky • info@pureart.ky 5 Denham Thompson Way & South Church Street Mon - Sat: 9:00am - 5:00pm Closed Most Sundays & Public Holidays (345) 949.9133 Pure Art Gallery & Gifts offers Cayman’s widest selection of artwork by ocal artists and artisans ocal artists and artisansNext >