People of Tunisia : given its eventful past, Tunisia is one country that can boast of a multicultural populace. In the country are to be found people of Arab-Berber descent – who form the majority. Europeans, Jews, Frenchmen and Italians make up the remainder of the population.
Arts, Culture and Music of Tunisia :
Art : having a rich cultural heritage, one can see the effects of it reflected in the traditional arts and crafts of Tunisia. Traditional artistry is of several types. One of them is the making of silver jewellery; the Berber style is the most famous of the lot. Then there are also jewellery fashioned out of glass beads, coins and Coral. Some types of jewellery are used as charms and have symbolic significance. In the department of ceramics and pottery too art ranges high. One can easily pick up brightly colored hand-painted platters, bowls, jugs, oil jars and water jars. Brass and copper artifacts are other displays of Tunisian artistry. These wares are not just pieces of art but also items of utility as well. They are fashioned in various ways like embossing, engraving, chasing/grooving or even enameling. Carpet making is a national art form and is made from natural wool, camel hair or silk. Wall hangings and other decorations are another specialty of Tunisia. These wall decors are either woven - out of wool or silk - or hand painted.
Culture : Tunisia has a rich and chequered history, replete with invasions, conquests and influences. The most important part of its history is the fact that despite modernization, Tunisia still retains its past which is proudly etched it its landscape, architecture and most importantly in its people.Of the innumerable ethnic races that set foot on the soil of Tunisia are the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Vandals, the Byzantines, the Turks, the Spanish and finally the French (in historical sequence).
