1. The Tainos

2. Migration and development  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jKp_dKkI-0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jKp_dKkI-0  The Taínos inhabited the Greater Antilles from Cuba to the Virgin Islands after the year 1200.  They were the most advanced culture in our part of the Caribbean  Archeologist do not rule the possibility that the Taínos were part of a new group of Arawaks from Venezuela.  However, evidence suggested that the Taínos were a result of the transformation of the Arawks groups that had inhabited our islands for hundreds of years.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTxkN7UYJ2A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTxkN7UYJ2A

3. Social Structure of the Taínos p. 150

4. Taíno Social Structure Naborias – were the common people. They farmed, build, fished, hunted and fought in wars. Largest social class. Bohique – spiritual leader of the village. In charge of religious ceremonies. Also acted as teacher and medicine man. Considered the guardian of the history of the Taíno.

5. Nitaino – compose of families or clans that had privileges. Lived in bigger huts Men married more than one woman. Supervised the storage and distribution of food. In charge of military matters. Answered to the cacique

6. Cacique Most powerful member of the Taino social system. Leader of the Yucayeque Highest authority in political. Religious, social, and military matters. Both men and woman could be caciques. Lived in Caney (hut of the cacique)

7. Territorial division of Boriquen Boriquen: Divided in cacicazgos. Each cicazgos was compose of several yucayeques, or villages. Cacicazgos were governed by a main cacique but each yucayeke was governed by a minor cacique. Separated by natural boundaries ( mountains, rivers, forest) There were 12-15 cacicazgos on our island when the Spaniards arrived.

8. Taino houses Bohios: Were huts built of wood, vines, leaves and woven straw. Did not have windows Only use for sleep or when sick Only furniture was hammocks Caciques house Called Caney Inside had hammocks, and dujo a kind of low chair made of wood or stone. The Dujo was mainly used in ceremonies.

9. Batey, Petroglyphs and Batu Batey Main square of the village Rectangular and surrounded by rocks carved with petroglyphs Hold religious ceremonies and exchange of products. Petroglyphs inscriptions made on rocks. Represented animals and religious elements. Batu p.156 Ball game play by the Tainos Played in the batey

10. Polytheist – Culture that believed in many gods. Taino believed that gods controlled all of nature’s elements and events. Zemis – images of Taino gods made out of stone or other materials. Areytos – Main religious activities of the Tainos. Took place in the Batey and were led by the cacique. Tainos dance, sang, play instruments, and told stories to the younger generation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zta5Xi__O7c https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zta5Xi__O7c Guanin – gold metal ornament that hung from the cacique’s chest. Batu – a game played by the members of the yucayeque. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guDyXGFYRUw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guDyXGFYRUw