Tainos

The Taíno were an indigenous people who inhabited the Caribbean islands, particularly around present-day Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic). They were among the first Native Americans encountered by Christopher Columbus in 1492. The Taíno were skilled farmers, fishermen, and artisans, known for their distinctive pottery and woven items. Their society was organized into chiefdoms, with a rich culture that included religious beliefs and social rituals. Unfortunately, they faced significant decline due to European colonization, disease, and enslavement, leading to their near extinction by the 16th century.