Among the various ethnic groups that inhabited the islands of the Antilles, the Taínos were the most evolved in both social organization and politicsTherefore, it is understood that upon their arrival they dominated or assimilated other indigenous groups, also of Arawak origin.
The political structure of the Taínos was theocratic where the main actors were the cacique and the bohiques. The cacique was the chief of the villages or yucayeques under his jurisdiction, he was owed absolute obedience and to pay tributes, the cacique lived comfortably and his clothing included ornate ribbons that were placed on the head, a gold disk or guanín that hung from his chest and belts adorned with rhinestones and shells.
The bohique was the ideal complement because it represented religiosity and the supernatural powers that in those times played a very important role in Taíno society.
Some more about the Taínos
Among its cultural manifestations the dances stand out, one of them, "Areitos" was a sacred dance that was accompanied by the rhythm of drums. Another of its manifestations was "The ritual of the cohoba" It consisted of inhaling hallucinogenic powders through which the chiefs or bohiques could communicate with their gods to request help or protection.
The Taínos also amused themselves with a game called "Batú". It was a ball or ball game where two teams participated which was made up of up to 30 players of both sexes. The game consisted of keeping the ball in the air with any part of the body, except with the hands. The ball or ball was made of rubber, leaves and resin which allowed it to bounce and speed up the game.. The space where they played the game was called a batey.
The Taínos were also sculptorsHis art was basically related to religiosity, a clear example are the duhos or ceremonial seats and the idols or cemies that were sculpted in different materials and sizes.
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