Differences Between Kalinago and Taino Society

Select what you think were the three most important differences between Kalinago and Taino society?

The Tainos and Kalinagos were two different Amerindian groups which inhabited the islands of the Caribbean. The Tainos lived in the islands of the Greater Antilles (Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, and the Bahamas), while the Kalinagos lived in the Lesser Antilles (Grenada, St. Vincent, St. Lucia etc.). Although the Tainos and the Kalinagos were Amerindians, they had differences and similarities in their culture. Three of the differences between these two groups are evident in their government, occupations and their way of life. Both the Taino and the Kalinago had a system of government. However their pattern of government was different. The Tainos leader (Cacique) was chosen by heredity. This meant that the Cacique inherited his leadership position after the death of his father, who was a previous Cacique. On the other hand the Kalinagos leader (Ouboutou) was a brave warrior who could give them the best leadership during times of war. He only inherited his position through bravery in times of war. The cacique of a Taino tribe was treated with great respect and his subjects would obey him and the tribes’ laws. The Kalinagos however disliked taking orders because of their war like society. Another difference between the Taino and the Kalinago society was that the cacique of a Taino village was also a major priest and decision maker, while in the Kalinago society the Ouboutou was not a priest or religious leader. This position was given to other officials called boyez and to lesser governors who supervised fishing and farming. Although fishing and hunting were major occupations for both the Tainos and Kalinagos, there were differences in their other occupations. The Tainos were mostly farmers. They grew many different crops such as cassava, beans, corn and other vegetables. The Kalinagos however did little farming. They preferred