Trailblazers and Trendsetters

Brought to the Dominican Republic by colonists from Spain and France, merengue descends from a European style of dancing. It was soon adapted by the country's peasant population, which included both European settlers and Dominicans of African descent, who incorporated the tambora drum and more rhythm into the music. Having lost favor with the elite as a result of "Africanization," merengue went underground for years, re-emerging in the early 20th century to become the national dance of the Dominican Republic, a seamless blend of European and African styles.

Artist: Rafael Lopez
Art Director: Ethel Kessler
Medium: Acrylic on Board
Year of Issue: 2005

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