Who were they?

The Tainos (Arawaks)

How they came
Where they settled
The Taino people inhabited several islands in the Caribbean at the
time of European contact, including but not limited to:
- Hispaniola (present-day Dominican Republic and Haiti)
- Cuba
- Puerto Rico
- Jamaica
- The Bahamas
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Eastern Cuba (Oriente Province)
- The northern Lesser Antilles, including the Virgin Islands
How they looked

- Average height
- Dark brown complexion
- Flat heads
- Body paints
How they lived

The Taino society was organized into chiefdoms led by

caciques (chiefs). These chiefdoms were composed of clans,
which were extended family groups. The society had a
hierarchical structure with nobles and commoners, and it was
based on cooperation, communal living, and shared resources.
Religious Beliefs

The Taino had a rich and complex system of religious

beliefs. They believed in a pantheon of deities and spirits.
Atabey was a prominent goddess associated with fertility and
the Earth. The zemis were ancestral spirits and deities
often represented in art and artifacts. Rituals and
ceremonies played a central role in Taino religious life.
art forms of the Tainos:*

Taino art was characterized by intricate stone carvings and

pottery. They created petroglyphs and ceremonial sculptures. The
art often featured representations of zemis and other spiritual
beings. Their pottery was decorated with intricate geometric
designs and often served practical and ceremonial purposes.
Lifestyle:*

1. *Agriculture:* The Taino were skilled farmers who practiced slash-and-burn agriculture.
They grew crops like cassava, maize, sweet potatoes, yams, and various fruits. Manioc
(cassava) was a staple food and a dietary foundation.

2. *Fishing:* Given their island locations, fishing was a crucial part of their diet. They
used nets and simple fishing tools to catch a variety of seafood.

3. *Hunting:* The Taino also hunted small game such as birds and hutias (large rodents). They
used bows and arrows, along with other tools for hunting.

4. *Housing:* Taino houses, known as bohios, were circular and made from poles and thatched
roofs. They were raised off the ground to protect against flooding.

5. *Community:* Taino villages were organized around communal living. Families lived in bohios
clustered together in circular patterns, fostering a sense of community and cooperation.
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