Taino refers to a group of indigenous peoples inhabiting the Caribbean islands during the pre-Columbian era. The term is derived from their language, which can be traced back to the Arawakan language family. The Taino people were primarily concentrated in present-day Cuba, Hispaniola (including Haiti and the Dominican Republic), Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas. They were skilled farmers, fishermen, and pottery makers, possessing a complex socio-political organization.
The Taino culture flourished between the 7th and 15th centuries, experiencing its peak around the 12th century. They built villages that consisted of circular houses known as bohíos, cultivated yucca, cassava, and maize, and practiced hunting and gathering in addition to fishing. The Taino society was hierarchical, with caciques (chiefs) leading each village and a paramount chief overseeing multiple villages.
Unfortunately, the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492 marked the beginning of the decline of the Taino civilization. The European colonization resulted in the near extinction of the Taino people due to violence, forced labor, disease, and enslavement. While some individuals with Taino heritage still exist today, the Taino culture and language have significantly diminished.
In summary, Taino refers to the indigenous peoples who inhabited the Caribbean islands before the arrival of Europeans. They had a sophisticated culture, including agriculture, fishing, and pottery-making, with a hierarchical social structure. However, their population and heritage suffered devastation due to colonization.
