ARE THE TAINO REALLY EXTINCT?
IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE TAINO BECAME EXTINCT. HOWEVER, ALTHOUGH MANY HAVE DIED LONG AGO, THE CULTURE IS KEEPING THE TAINO ALIVE.
THE TAINO EXIST IN OUR DAILY ACTIVITIES AND EVERYDAY VOCABULARY, FROM THE USE OF CANOES AND HAMMOCKS, TO SMOKING TOBACCO, EATING TUNA, HOSTING BARBECUES EVERY SUMMER AND PREPARING FOR HURRICANE SEASON COME THE FALL.
Camilia
I am a Taíno
The article “What Became of the Taíno?” explores what presence these indigenous Caribbean people still have today. The author explores various communities and the cultural practices they have carried on for hundreds of years. We are reminded of Taíno words still in use such as hurricane and inventions like hammocks. Personally what I find interesting is exploring what role they play in genetics and racial identity. Knowing history one could assume that Columbus’ exploitation and destruction of Taíno people along with generations of cultural diffusion in the Caribbean would render them essentially extinct in contemporary society. However as Jorge Estevez explains, “These concepts are really outdated.So when people ask if I am pure Taíno, I say ‘yes. My ancestors were from a plethora of different tribes. They mixed with a lot of others to become Taíno. What you have to look at is how the culture persists and how it is being transmitted.” I found this extremely profound. It is here where I explore my own identity. As someone who has ancestry that traces back to Puerto Rico who’s rich culture is intertwined with the Taíno people, I can consider myself Taíno. People like me ensure that our place in history is not only remembered, but continues to persevere and I can say that proudly.
Christopher Arias DNA
I chose to include my DNA test to exemplify the point that identity has much to do with the mixture of experiences that shape our character. Individual stories go beyond what comprises our blood. Seeing my DNA it is fascinating, however I recognize it as a starting point. Now I can explore how being Spanish, Portugese, and various indigenous groups define the person I am.
In the Caribbean we are made up of Spanish, Indian and African descent; with that, comes many different languages. I consider myself a prime example. My family is Grenadian; my mom is indian and my dad is black and Spanish. I am often referred to as “trigueñita” -a spanish term for brown-skinned and “dougla”-derived from Hindi word doogala meaning mixed Indian/black. We are a people of mixed ancestry of Taino, African, and Spanish. Recent research showed that even in the U.S according to a census in 2002 the “living Taino” has been proven to be in existence.
Soy una granadina
Caribeña
A spice isle beti
Una hija de los taínos
¿Dónde están?
Se murieron pero nunca se fueron
They are what we eat
Son lo que hablamos
They are still here with us.
Somos taínos.
