Are all Jamaicans Taino?
The original inhabitants of Jamaica are believed to be the Arawaks, also called Tainos. They came from South America 2,500 years ago and named the island Xaymaca, which meant ““land of wood and water”.
How did the Tainos celebrate their festival?
Religious worship and obeisance to the zemi themselves. Dancing in the village court during special festivals of thanksgiving or petition. Medicine men, or priests, consulting the zemi for advice and healing. This was done in public ceremonies with song and dance.
What date did the Tainos come to Jamaica?
Jamaica’s first inhabitants, the Tainos (also called the Arawaks), were a peaceful people believed to be from South America. It was the Tainos who met Christopher Columbus when he arrived on Jamaica’s shores in 1494.
Where was the largest Taino village in Jamaica?
St Ann is the largest of Jamaica’s 14 parishes. It is also quite possible the site of the earliest human inhabitation of Jamaica. Taino settlements from as early as 600 AD have been found in the parish.
What did the Taino eat?
Taíno staples included vegetables, fruit, meat, and fish. There were no large animals native to the Caribbean, but they captured and ate small animals, such as hutias and other mammals, earthworms, lizards, turtles, and birds.
How did the Spanish treat the Tainos?
The Spanish treated the Tainos very poorly, as they exploited them and lacked regard for their welfare.
Why is it important to celebrate Taino day in Jamaica?
Taino Day is aimed at increasing public awareness of the contribution of the Tainos to Jamaica, and strengthening the mechanisms for the retention of our heritage.
When did the Taino Indians come to Jamaica?
The Taino Indians , as we now know, came to Jamaica traveling from the South American mainland somewhere between 700-1000 AD. They differed from the original Arawakian peoples of the mainland having developed a distinct Taino language and culture.
Where can you find Taino artifacts in Jamaica?
In Jamaica today petroglyphs found around the Island are a poignant reminder of these early people. The museum at White Marl, outside of Spanish Town, has a good collection of Taino artifacts on permanent display. Did you Know – Taino words in common use today include : Tobacco, Canoe, Hammock, Barbecue, Hurricane
What did the Taino people do for fun?
Like the Mayan, the Taino also practiced head shaping, whereby at birth children had their heads bound to flatten their foreheads. Nose and ear piercing was also popular. The Tainos commonly played a ball game similar to that played in Central America called Batey. Their diet consisted mainly of seafood and cassava.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7mmAwL63MU