Indigenous Peoples of the Americas

Study Notes

These three groups were indigenous peoples of the Americas, inhabiting the Caribbean and Central America.

Lived in the Greater Antilles, including present-day Cuba, Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic), Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas
Belonged to the Arawakan language family
Organized into cacicazgos (chiefdoms) with a hierarchical system of government
Practiced agriculture, fishing, and gathering
Known for their skill in pottery, weaving, and woodworking
Had a strong spiritual tradition, with a belief in multiple gods and goddesses

Also known as Island Caribs, lived in the Lesser Antilles, including present-day Barbados, St. Lucia, and Grenada
Belonged to the Carib language family
Were skilled hunters and gatherers
Known for their seafaring abilities and expertise in canoe-building
Had a matrilineal society, with women playing a significant role in decision-making
Practiced headhunting and were known for their fierce warrior culture

Lived in Mesoamerica, including present-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras
Belonged to the Maya language family
Developed a complex and sophisticated civilization, with a system of writing, astronomy, and mathematics
Built elaborate cities with temples, palaces, and plazas
Practiced agriculture, with a focus on maize, beans, and squash
Had a strong spiritual tradition, with a belief in multiple gods and goddesses
Developed a system of hieroglyphic writing, which was used to record history, astronomy, and mythology

Indigenous peoples of the Americas, inhabiting the Caribbean and Central America

Lived in the Greater Antilles, including Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas
Belonged to the Arawakan language family
Organized into hierarchical cacicazgos (chiefdoms) with a system of government
Practiced agriculture, fishing, and gathering as main sources of food
Skilled in pottery, weaving, and woodworking
Had a strong spiritual tradition, believing in multiple gods and goddesses

Lived in the Lesser Antilles, including Barbados, St. Lucia, and Grenada
Belonged to the Carib language family
Skilled hunters and gatherers, with expertise in seafaring and canoe-building
Had a matrilineal society, with women playing a significant role in decision-making
Practiced headhunting and had a fierce warrior culture
Known for their bravery and combat skills

Lived in Mesoamerica, including Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras
Belonged to the Maya language family
Developed a sophisticated civilization with a system of writing, astronomy, and mathematics
Built elaborate cities with temples, palaces, and plazas
Practiced agriculture, focusing on maize, beans, and squash
Had a strong spiritual tradition, believing in multiple gods and goddesses
Developed a system of hieroglyphic writing used to record history, astronomy, and mythology