One of the unique forms of the globally popular Haitian art is the Haitian steel drum art. This innovative art form is created by recycling steel oil drums into unique metal sculptures. Haitian steel drum art was born in the early 1950s when a simple blacksmith, Georges Liautaud, in his small workshop started creating primitive metal crosses for the graves in Croix-des-Bouquets cemetery. An American teacher, DeWitt Peters opened the Le Centre d’Art in Port-au-Prince and encouraged Georges Liautaud to expand his art to creating metal sculptures. A few talented craftsmen joined him and soon the tradition followed.
How Haitian Steel Drum Arts Are Created
55 gallon Metal drums used for transporting oil and other products are bought near the port in the capitol city of Port au Prince and transferred to the neighboring town of Croix-des-Bouquets which is the center of the Haitian metal works and the workshop of the several master metalwork artists. The rounded ends of the drums are first removed and placed inside the cylinder along with leaves of sugar canes or dried bananas. These drums are then burnt for quite some time to remove the paint or other residue. Once done, the drums are cooled and cut from top to bottom. One of the assistant artists then enters the cylinder and uses his body pressure to open up the drums, which are then pounded severely to produce a long sheet of metal canvas. The design is drawn on the surface of the metal canvas with a chalk and finally using primitive tools like chisels and hammer the design is cut out.
Haitian Steel Drum Arts Designs & Themes
A variety of designs & themes are portrayed through the Haitian Steel Drum Arts. Since the form of art goes back a long time it often reflects a culture deeply rooted in oral traditions and story telling. Some of the most common themes are scenes of music and dance as well as nature, sea-life, celestial designs etc.
Uses of the Haitian Steel Drum Arts
This is one of the most innovative concepts of eco-friendly arts are largely used for decorative purposes. These recycled metal sculptures are commonly used as wall hangings, both indoors and outdoors. For maintenance, an extra layer of polyurethane varnish might be required each year, specially if the art is used outdoors.