Taino People

The Taíno people were indigenous inhabitants of the Caribbean, primarily residing in present-day Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and Cuba. They were part of the Arawakan language family and had a rich culture with complex social structures, agriculture, fishing, and craftsmanship. The Taíno lived in small villages, cultivated crops like cassava, and engaged in trade with neighboring communities. They faced significant decline due to disease and colonization after Christopher Columbus's arrival in 1492. Today, their legacy endures in Caribbean culture, language, and genetic heritage, as many people in the region share Taíno ancestry.