Caribbean Old House
A sculptural tribute to traditional Caribbean architecture and the everyday elements that defined island living

About This Work
"Caribbean Old House" is a detailed sculptural recreation of the traditional wooden houses that once dominated the landscape of Trinidad and Tobago. These humble structures, with their distinctive architectural elements, represent a significant part of our cultural heritage that is rapidly disappearing in the face of modernization.
This piece captures not just the house itself, but the complete ecosystem of Caribbean domestic life: the concrete standpipe that served as a community water source, the ever-present banana tree providing both food and shade, and the clothesline where garments would dance in the tropical breeze.
Through meticulous attention to detail and the use of authentic materials, this sculpture preserves a way of life that newer generations may never experience firsthand, serving as both an artistic expression and a historical document.
Year
2024
Medium
Wood, concrete, paper, metal, plastic, fabric
Location
Cambridge, MA



Key Elements
Exploring the four essential components that define this sculptural piece
The House
The centerpiece with characteristic wooden jalousie windows, corrugated metal roof, and elevated structure on stilts
Features:
- Weathered wood texture
- Jalousie windows for ventilation
- Elevated on stilts
- Corrugated metal roofing
The Concrete Standpipe
A community fixture where people gathered to collect water, wash clothes, and exchange news
Features:
- Community water source
- Social gathering point
- Pre-indoor plumbing era
- Concrete construction
The Banana Tree
Providing shade and fruit, representing the self-sufficiency of Caribbean households
Features:
- Broad leaves for shade
- Hanging fruit clusters
- Self-sufficiency symbol
- Authentic trunk texture
The Clothes Line
Colorful garments fluttering in the breeze, adding movement and life to the scene
Features:
- Natural sun drying
- Miniature fabric clothes
- Movement and life
- Domestic rhythm