Indigenous Peoples of the Caribbean

Indigenous Peoples of the Caribbean

Overview

• The Caribbean was inhabited by indigenous peoples before the arrival of European colonizers.
• These groups were diverse, with distinct languages, cultures, and societies.

Main Groups

• Taino: The largest and most prominent group, living in the Greater Antilles (Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas).
• Kalina: Inhabited the Lesser Antilles (smaller islands).
• Garifuna: A mix of African and indigenous peoples, lived in the southern Caribbean (St. Vincent, Grenada, and Trinidad).

Characteristics

• Farming and Fishing: Indigenous peoples practiced agriculture, fishing, and hunting to sustain themselves.
• Societies: Organized into cacicazgos (chiefdoms) with a hierarchy of leaders, including caciques (chiefs) and shamans.
• Spirituality: Believed in a spiritual connection with nature, ancestors, and the supernatural.
• Language: Spoke languages of the Arawakan and Cariban language families.

European Encounter

• Initial Contact: Christopher Columbus's arrival in 1492 marked the beginning of European contact.
• Diseases: Indigenous peoples had no immunity to European diseases, leading to significant population decline.
• Enslavement and Displacement: Many were forced into labor, leading to further decline and displacement.
• Legacy: The indigenous legacy continues to shape Caribbean identity, culture, and politics today.