Social Structure:
* Chiefdoms: The Taíno lived in chiefdoms, each led by a cacique (chief), who held political and religious authority.
* Social Hierarchy: Society was organized into three classes: nobles, commoners, and slaves.
* Family Units: Families were matrilineal, meaning lineage was traced through the mother's side.
Economy:
* Agriculture: They were skilled farmers, cultivating crops like yuca (cassava), maize, sweet potatoes, beans, and cotton. They developed sophisticated irrigation systems.
* Fishing: Fishing was a significant part of their diet, using canoes, nets, and spears to catch fish.
* Trade: The Taíno traded goods like pottery, tools, and food between villages and islands.
Religion:
* Polytheistic: They believed in a variety of deities, including the sun god (Yúcahu) and the moon goddess (Atabey).
* Spirit World: They believed in spirits that inhabited the natural world and played a role in their lives.
* Shamans: Shamans played a vital role in religious ceremonies, healing rituals, and communication with the spirit world.
Art and Culture:
* Carvings: The Taíno were known for their intricate wood carvings, often depicting deities and animals.
* Ceramics: They made beautiful pottery, often decorated with geometric patterns.
* Goldwork: They were skilled goldsmiths, creating ornaments and jewelry.
* Music and Dance: Music and dance were an important part of their culture, with instruments like drums, flutes, and gourds.
* Ball Games: They played a popular ball game similar to lacrosse, using a rubber ball.
Impact of European Colonization:
* Disease: European diseases, like smallpox and measles, devastated Taíno populations.
* Slavery: Taíno people were enslaved and forced to work on plantations, leading to further population decline.
* Cultural Suppression: European colonizers actively suppressed Taíno culture and religion, leading to its decline.
Legacy:
* Language: While the Taíno language is extinct, some words have survived in Spanish and other Caribbean languages.
* Archaeology: Archaeological evidence provides insights into their rich culture and history.
* Cultural Identity: The Taíno legacy continues to be an important part of the cultural identity of many Caribbean people.
It's important to note that the Taíno people were a diverse group with regional variations in their culture and practices. The information above represents a broad overview.