Nature Vibe: 2018--Christmas Edition

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | www.nhmj-ioj.org.jm/ Volume 10, Issue 4

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA

HOLLY JOLLY
CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS SONG INSIDE THIS ISSUE
--(Excerpt from "Irie Christmas" By: King Yellow Man)
"Pieces of the Past"
Breadfruits roasting on an open fire, "A Likkle Bout Wi Jamaican
Mongrels nipping at your toes... Christmas"
Dancehall songs, being sung by a choir- NHMJ's Traditional Cook Book!
An' wi dress up in wi bashment clothes. Ja-Clearing House Mechanism
Highlights of the Quarter
Everybody knows... Let's Get Educational-Library
When gungo cook, an' sorrel flow- Bits About Botany
Yuh dun know seh season brite, Zoic Zoology
Gal an' bwoy wid dem starlight a glow... Project Updates
Dem nah go waan fi sleep tonite! Upcoming Events
Children Are Our Future!
Facts About Breshe
Sponsors of the Quarter
Let's Have Some Fun!

The Natural History Museum of Jamaica is the oldest division of the Institute of Jamaica. It aims to encourage the study and dissemination of
scientific knowledge of Jamaican flora and fauna, promote the conservation of the Jamaican natural environment and maintain collections of

Jamaican flora, fauna and reference books.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | www.nhmj-ioj.org.jm PIECES OF THE PAST

Jonkonnu

Have you ever heard about Jonkonnu or John Canoe?
A time of year that many youngsters don't know about is our Jamaican
Christmas celebration where men in costumes roam the streets of
Jamaica with their dancing and gimmicks. This was a common celebration
done by Jamaican's during the Christmas season. Costumes along with masks
are used to disguise these persons and are usually scary. This came about
during the time of slavery and was one of the few times the workers got from
work. They would dress to entertain their spectators and parade the streets of
Jamaica.

Some popular characters were :
King, Queen, Devil, Pitchy-Patchy, Belly Woman, Cow Head, Policeman, Horse
Head, Wild Apache Indian, Bride and House Head.

Jamaica's Jonkunu actors 1

A Likkle Bout Wi Jamaican Chris'mus

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | www.nhmj-ioj.org.jm It is usually a festive season where persons participate in
different kinds of entertaining events. In Jamaica, this is also a time

when people spend excessively.

Every Jamaican family has a Christmas sheet!... We gather as a
family to do a deep extensive clean of the house and yard space,
we whitewash our trees and flower pots and walls are painted and

the lawn is carefully mowed.

Mother would season the ham, chicken and curry goat from the
previous night (Christmas Eve) and leave to marinate for overnight.
On Christmas morning, the smell of hot chocolate tea would wake

you up with fried ham and banana with a piece of yam.

A fresh glass of Egg Nog, yes! That will do, to quench our thirst in
the afternoon, with a rich delicious piece of well baked Christmas

fruit cake with a tiny red cherry just sitting on the top.

Can a Christmas be any better than this?!
It's a time of year for a family get together-- to meet new family

members, to catch up and burst into laughter?
We need this time of year, oh, there's so much to laugh and chat

about with those you have not seen for so long!

Jamaica sweet, Jamaica nice,
Jamaica Christmas is like sugar and

spice!

By: Kareen Parks, Assistant Education Outreach Officer, NHMJ

2

NHMJ Traditional Cook Book!

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | www.nhmj-ioj.org.jm A touch of sweets just brightens up your day...
Try a recipe from our traditional cookbook,
you'll be so amazed!

Christmas Veggie
‘Tun’ Cornmeal

7 cups of water (reserve a cup) Christmas
2 sachets Miracle coconut milk, (mixed Fruitcake
according to package)

1/2 lb cubed pumpkin 1lb butter or margarine softened

1 packet cock soup 1lb dark brown sugar

2 stalks of escallion, chopped 1 doz eggs

1 onion, chopped 1lb flour

1 small cabbage, shredded 2 tsps vanilla extract

1 can Miracle mixed vegetables 2 tsps baking powder

6 okras, cut into rounds 2 tsps baking soda

1lb Miracle refined cornmeal 2 tsps burnt sugar

Cinnamon and nutmeg to taste

1/3 cup rum

2 fruit mixture

1lb prunes

1lb raisins

1lb currants

1lb cherries

Copyright 2018 Gleaner Company Ltd 3

Ja-Clearing House Mechanism

Ham Bone & Gungo Peas Soup

This is the perfect way to use the leftover ham bone from Christmas
dinner in our traditional Jamaican gungo peas soup. This recipe serves 3.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | www.nhmj-ioj.org.jm YOU WILL NEED 1 whole ham bone
1 pound(s) gungo peas 1 sprig thyme
2 irish potatoes, cut into 2-3 7 whole pimento berries
pieces 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper
8 cup(s) water 3 clove garlic, chopped
1 packet Cock Soup Mix 2 small carrots, chopped
1 cup coconut milk 1 pound yellow yam, diced
2 stalks escallion, chopped 3 cups flour and 1/8 tsp. salt

PROCEDURE

In a bowl, add flour and salt. Use a small

amount of water to mix flour into the dough.

Cover and set aside.

Wash gungo peas and remove any unwanted

particles. DID YOU KNOW?
In a pot with water add gungo peas, pimento Gungo peas are also called
berries, garlic and ham bone. Cover pot and Congo or pigeon peas.
allow to cook for about 30 minutes or until

peas become tender Gungo peas are very
Add diced yellow yam, irish potato, carrots drought-resistant and can be
and shape spinners, then add to the boiling grown in areas with less than
mixture. 650 mm annual rainfall.
Simmer for 5 minutes.

Mix in the Cock Soup Mix, coconut milk, Gungo peas are a great
escallion, thyme and whole scotch bonnet source of protein. Each 100 g
pepper and continue to simmer for a further of peas contain 22 g of
1/2 an hour. protein.
Remove from heat and serve hot.

By: Shemere Lawes, Research Officer JA-Clearing House Mechanism, NHMJ 4

Highlights of the Quarter 

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | www.nhmj-ioj.org.jm Members of the team (consisting of reps from IOJ, NHMJ, Highway 2000 East-West and schools under the Biodiversity
Awareness Programme) participated in the International Beach Clean-up Day at Jackson Bay Beach, Clarendon. L-R: Tracy
Commock, NHMJ Director, Rhoda Pryce, FPS Environmental Club Coordinator and other members of the team (right photo)

Students of Independence City Primary participating in a Pre-test for the Biodiversity Awareness Programme

An Afternoon WITH a SCIENTIST

LETS GET

SCIENTIFIC!

"Exploring Science Through Various Means"

Dr. Gregory Robin engaging students of Alpha Primary School in the An Afternoon with a Scientist Progamme

on "Facts About the Sweet Potato" on October 24, 2018 at the Institute of Jamaica 5

Highlights of the Quarter 

"BREADFRUIT IS THE
NEW BREAD BABY"!

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | www.nhmj-ioj.org.jm Minister of Culture Olivia 'Babsy' Grange and Mrs. Marigold Harding (Deputy NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA
Chairman of the IOJ Board) at the Institute of Jamaica's Heritage Festival: Breadfruit
EXHIBITION
Fest ON NOW

"FROM BLIGH TO ROAST

Herbie Miller, Director of Jamaica Music Museum (JAMM) purchasing his AND FRY!"
breadfruit fritters from Yvonne Bryan, NHMJ

National Tree Planting Day (NTPD) 2018 Activities

Colleagues receiving plants on National Tree Planting Day Members of the Biodiversity Awareness Programme at
event at NHMJ Moores Primary receiving their set of plants for NTPD 2018

The Division distributed seedlings to five schools as

6well as staff from the Institute of Jamaica, encouraging
all to help reforest our island Jamaica!

Highlights of the Quarter 

The Hon. Ronald Thwaites National
viewing the NHMJ booth at
the Biodiversity Conference Biodiversity

Inaugural

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | www.nhmj-ioj.org.jm Conference
October 17, 2018

Highlighting a land full of

unique flora and fauna

Making Jamaicans aware of
their natural biodiversity

World Food Day, Poverty Reduction Day

International Conference

on Food Security
October 16 & 17, 2108

University of Technology, Jamaica

EAT WHAT YOU
GROW,GROW WHAT YOU

EAT!

Participants at the Biodiversity Conference
viewing the NHMJ Display

"The biological collections of the NHMJ represent an important national resource Participants at the International
and serve as an educational tool for students of life sciences, a repository of Conference on Food Security viewing the

biodiversity data for rural and urban planners and a source of critical reference NHMJ Medicinal Plants Display
material for researchers from all sectors of society both locally and abroad."

--T. Commock & E. Morrison

Tracy Commock, Director (NHMJ) presenting Eartha Cole, Education Outreach Officer Highlights of the Institute of
at the Research Symposium at Liberty presenting at the Research Symposium at Jamaica's Research Symposium
Liberty Hall: "Exploring Customer Experience 2018, under the theme: The Role
Hall: "The Importance of the National Natural
History Collections to Research" at the NHMJ Exhibition Gallery" of Research and Exhibition
Design in the Preservation of

Culture

7

Let's Get Educational at the Science Library

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | www.nhmj-ioj.org.jm Christmas Cheers TheWNhHaMt JdSoceoiseffnietcrheaLvibertaory
Books on biology, chemistry,
The candy cane is strung, mathematics, geology,
The decorations are on the computer and other science
related disciplines
tree. Provides videos on select
The stockings are hung and topics of science

waiting,
To be filled with toys for every

girl and boy.

The ham is in the oven, Facilitates online research
The gungo peas and rice is

on the stove.
The sorrel is in the fridge,
Getting chilled and waiting to

be poured.

Family and friends are here, Provides slide shows and
Waiting to start the festive DVDs/CDs-ROMs on various
Jamaican plants and animals
season.
There's laughter and Provides information for
SBA projects
merriment,
Everyone's having a grand

time.

Happy holidays and Merry Visit the Natural History  Museum of Jamaica's 8
Christmas to each and Science Library at:
everyone!
10- 16 East Street, Kingston
By: Leleka Johnson, Librarian, Science Library, NHMJ Telephone: 922-0620-6, extension: 237 or 244

Email: [email protected]
URL: www.instituteofjamaica.org.jm

Bits About Botany

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | www.nhmj-ioj.org.jm The Botany Department

oottbhhfsforietgJothaanpuemnirgfoioNahiccdniaaacrultaneJucarsttrecmiearoosaolanenrlHiaetccoirihansicfnnuthppoefraursilonydobjtvreloJMiaaacc.mntapustcsliaaioeaniyucnngamdsa

The department is patronized by many researchers yearly, both locally and
internationally, who use the facilities, reference text and knowledge of the
botanists to assist them in their research. This year, the department has
catered to local researchers from across the length and breadth of Jamaica
as well as international researchers from organizations which included;

The Smithsonian Institution,

The Field Museum, The National

Zoological Collections of

Suriname, Albion College, Yale

University, Columbia

University, Yale Peabody

Museum, Chatham University,

Royal Botanical Gardens- Kew,

Chicago Botanic Garden,

Northwestern University and

Uppsala University in Sweden. Lecturer and researcher at Albion College, Dr. Dan Skean (left) and
NHMJ’s Botanist Mr. Keron Campbell (right) engage in a discussion
about the identity of a collection while out in the field in May 2018

Some researchers used our collections only, while some sought our

engagement to assist them in field work. Through such partnerships, both

parties have benefited as there has been an exchange of crucial information

about the focus plant species or plant group. 9

Bits About Botany

This calendar year, the department has been actively engaged in a
number of projects and research activities.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | www.nhmj-ioj.org.jm BCmoutaarnrneyainngDctelpduerdpboeayje:rctthmtseent Herbarium specimen of
Acanthodesmos
distichus. The
genus Acanthodesmos was
believed to only exist in
Jamaica with one species.

Mohammed Bin Zayed
Project

Conservation of Dendrocousinsia
Endangered Plant Species lesteri var. lesteri a
Jamaican endemic
Project

The Mason River Lisianthus exertus-
Protected Area Invasive a Jamaican endemic
found at the Mason
Species Control and River Protected Area
Habitat Restoration

Project

Identification, Isolation
and Conservation of

Local Strains of Cannabis
for Medicinal Use Project

More updates on these projects Cannabis sp.
in subsequent issues, stay The focus of much
tuned! research

Article by: Sashalee Cross, Assistant Botanist, NHMJ 10

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | www.nhmj-ioj.org.jmunuussaEsqinuuussEaqsuinuussasEiqnuuZusosiacEsqZinuouuossloEaqsguiynuussasinEquusuEsqausuinsuassin
uausisnaussinuEsquEuqsuuassiansuisn"uETsqhueEuqsDuaousnsinkauessiyn"uEsquuEsqausuisnuassinuEsqu

ittle donkey, little donkey
Had a heavy day
Little donkey, Carry Mary
Safely on her way.”
Lyrics from "Christmas Song"
 by Eric Boswell

And she gave birth to her firstborn son Mp Photograph - Donkey Equus asinus Adult with foal
and wrapped him in swaddling cloth and by Konrad Wothe
laid him in a manger because there was
no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:7(ESV)

“Every time Jackass bray, him ‘member
something”

meaning: he brays for a reason
--Jamaican Proverb

Donkeys were brought to Jamaica by

Spaniards, arriving in 1493 on

Columbus’ second voyage. They are

also known as asses with a male

donkey referred to as a Jack and a

female as a Jenny. In rural Jamaica,

they were extremely useful and

The Donkey, Equus asinus common work animals that transported

The Donkey, Equus asinus, is related to horses goods to market before road and rail
and zebras. Donkeys are prized for their strength,
endurance and sure-footedness and are used to transport became common. Today they
carry heavy loads for long distances. The Bible
tells that a donkey bore the pregnant Mary across are mostly used to transport
the rocky terrain from Galilee, out of the city of
Nazareth, to Bethlehem in Judea. It is one of the agricultural produce from the field
animals usually depicted in Nativity Scenes.
which is often inaccessible to
“ Jackass say the world nuh level”
meaning some people have a much harder motorized vehicles. Donkey races are

time than others--Jamaican Proverb the highlight of entertainment in certain

rural communities on public holidays

including Christmas time.

“When Jackass carry salt him lick the hamper”

meaning he tries to lighten the burden or take

advantage of a situation--Jamaican Proverb 11
---Continued on page 12

"The Donkey"

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | www.nhmj-ioj.org.jm Donkey Racing in Top Hill, St. Catherine. Photo Credit:
The Jamaica Star.

http://jamaica-star.com/article/news/20170726/parliament-
approves-500000-top-hill-donkey-race

Donkeys are native to Asia and Northeast “ The donkey want water.
Africa and their natural habitat is the desert Hold him Joe” – Folk song
plain. They stand 0.9 – 1.5 m in height and are
usually grey brown in colour. They are much Jackass wid him long
slower than other members of the horse family tail..” – Folk song
with a top speed of approximately 30 m.p.h.
Mules are the infertile hybrid offspring of a
male donkey and a female horse. Interestingly,
donkeys can also be mated with zebras and
their offspring are known as Zonkeys.

*Manger - a trough for cattle feed.

“When you go to Jackass house, don’t talk bout ears" Bibliography:
meaning don’t talk in people’s hearing of things they Mammals of the World Vol. 2 by Ernest P. Walker et al.

are sensitive about --Jamaican Proverb Encyclopedia of Jamaican Heritage by Olive Senior
“Parliament approves $500,000 for Top Hill donkey

race” – article Jamaica Star. July 2017

Article by Elizabeth Morrison, Zoologist, NHMJ 12

Project Updates

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | www.nhmj-ioj.org.jm Howwiitnhtnuanteuraer?e you
Seeing is believing!

Let's take a walk!

Visit us at 10-16 East Street,
Kingston & experience our
tour of NHMJ's very first true
to life interactive museum!

You will experience a scenic
walk through the Natural

History Museum of Jamaica's
Geology Cave Formation, see

a true-to-life underwater
coral reef system, discover

plants and animals in the
Wetland and Dry Limestone
forests and immerse yourself
in our lush green Understory

& Canopy of the Wet
Limestone Forest diorama!

13

Upcoming Events
WORLD WETLANDS DAY IN FEBRUARY

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | www.nhmj-ioj.org.jm

Come and be a part of our annual World Wetlands Day event in 14
Mason River Clarendon, One of Jamaica's treasured homes for

some of our endemic plants and animal species!

Upcoming Events
EARTH DAY 2019 IN APRIL

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | www.nhmj-ioj.org.jm SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN!!!
"Protecting Our Species" for the Earth Day 2019 theme

Let's Make Protecting Our Species A Priority!

15

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | www.nhmj-ioj.org.jm Upcoming Events

Children are our future

INSPIRING THEM THROUGH
THE SCIENCES IS

ESPECIALLY WHAT WE
LOVE T-O- DO... 

AN AFTERNOON WITH A
SCIENTIST IS HELD EVERY
3RD WEDNESDAY OF EACH
MONTH TO ALL PRIMARY,
PRIVATE AND HOME SCHOOL

STUDENTS

ARE YOU IN GRADES 4, 5 OR 6?

Come Visit Us!

OUR NEXT SESSION WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 23, 2019

16

Children are our future

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | www.nhmj-ioj.org.jm Students from the Independence City  Students observing the Breadfruit Fest
participating in a Pre-test for the Display on October 26, 2018

Biodiversity Awareness Programme
A student from Moores Primary School
shows off some of the resources they

received from Trees that Feed Foundation

 Students from St. Hughs High
interacting with the Medicinal Plants
display at the Food Security Conference

in  October

Gleeful children fascinated with our Moores Primary children  fully immersed in the children's corner at Another student holds steady for her face to be painted 
STOP sign being used during the the Juniour Centre during the Breadfruit Festival
Breadfruit Festival

Holy Rosary Primary students with teacher (right) taking a group photo with Director for Caribbean Dr. Amina Blackwood-Meeks engaging attentive
Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Cardi), Dr. Gregory Robin (centre, back) after a students about our versatile Breadfruit!
dynamic presentation on "Sweet Potato"

The Junior Centre Dance Troupe performing another At the Institute of Jamaica and the
scintillating piece from Chi-Ching-Ching's  "Breadfruit Dance" Natural History Museum of Jamaica,
we expose and nurture children in the
arts, sciences and literature through

dynamic in-house programmes,
outreach sessions and informative

monthly events.

17

Facts About "Breshe"
Breshe Mi Seh!

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | www.nhmj-ioj.org.jm Did you know that one of the main
reasons why the breadfruit was

brought to Jamaica in 1793 was to
feed the enslaved Africans on the

sugar plantations?

SOME VARIETIES OF

BREADFRUIT:

Breadfruit At PUAA COME VISIT US
Christmas Time! OTEA
CASSAVA EXHIBITION

Whether fried... MACCA NOW

roasted or baked, breadfruit can be served ON!

with several breakfast dishes such as
steamed callaloo, ackee and cod fish,

corned beef, ham or sausage or even fried

sprat. The meal also includes fried

plantains, avocado pear, boiled green

bananas, johny cakes, and tea . . . all

enjoyed with family and friends, making There's no waste... the
Christmas time sweet... fallen fruit and leaves are
suitable as nutritious
Breadfruit ingredients for animal
Wid feed!
Did you know that the sap of the
Seed!! breadfruit tree is so sticky and
that it can be used as a sealant?

The flower of the 187
breadfruit plant has been
used to make a repellent
that is highly effective
against many insects

SPONSORS & PARTNERS OF THE QUARTER

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | www.nhmj-ioj.org.jm "At times our own light goes out and is

rekindled by a spark from another [entity].

Each of us has cause to think with deep

gratitude of those who have lighted the

flame within us."

--- Albert Schweitzer

19

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | www.nhmj-ioj.org.jm

LET'S HAVE SOME FUN!

20

Nature Vibes

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | www.nhmj-ioj.org.jm Produced by:
The Education Department
Natural History Museum of Jamaica

Institute of Jamaica
December 2018

Thanks to Our Contributors:
Shemere Lawes, Research Officer JA-CHM, NHMJ

Sahsalee Cross, Assistant Botanist, NHMJ
Leleka Johnson, Librarian, NHMJ

Elizabeth Morrison, Entomologist (Acting), NHMJ
Kareen Parks, Assistant Education Outreach
Officer, NHMJ

Editors & Graphic Designs:
Eartha Cole, Education Outreach Officer, NHMJ

&
Kareen Parks, Assistant Education Outreach

Officer, NHMJ

Visit us at the Natural History Museum of Jamaica
10-16 East Street, Kingston

Telephone: 922-0620-6, extension: 309 or 352
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

URL: www.instituteofjamaica.org.jm

The Natural History Museum of Jamaica | A division of the Institute of Jamaica 20
An Agency of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport