Select Page

By 1511, the Spanish crown insisted that the settlers enforce “encomienda” or the right to demand forced labor from Indian inhabitants. Looking at the mad you can see the development of of roads, and even an airport. The encounter between the Tainos and Columbus is best captured in J.C. Squires’ poem, Read Fred Kennedy’s fictional account of a Taino boy entitled, KAMALA HARRIS’ JAMAICAN HERITAGE – UPDATED –…, ‘WE LIKKLE BUT WE TALLAWAH’ KINGSTON SUPERGIRL…, WHAT ALL JAMAICANS LIVING OVERSEAS, IN FOREIGN…, JACKIE POWELL: BROWARD COUNTY’S FIRST FEMALE JAMAICAN…, HOW TO APPLY FOR A TAXPAYER REGISTRATION…, MEET THE SECOND MOST POWERFUL BLACK PERSON…, CITY OF ATLANTA SELECTS JAMAICA’S BASIL WATSON…, CAMP INSPIRE: WYVOLYN GAGER FINDS FULFILLMENT IN VOLUNTARISM, NINETY-THREE NOT OUT! 1655 - The British take over Jamaica . It begins  in 1494 with the arrival of Christopher Columbus , the first European known to have set foot on the island and covers the period of Spanish colonization up to 1655. They first arrived to Jamaica around A.D 650. HISTORY OF THE TAINO INDIANS. Skilled farmers and navigators, they wrote music and poetry and created powerfully expressive objects. His lips gone pale, knelt low behind a stone. Their government was simple but effective; the island was divided into provinces, each ruled by a, The Tainos were said to be mild peaceful and light-hearted and lived a blissful existence until that peaceful existence was first threatened by the warlike Caribs or Kalinagos who inhabited the smaller islands of the Caribbean who had begun to make sporadic raids even before the disastrous encounter with Columbus and the Europeans. Taino population at the time of Columbus’ arrival numbered about 100,000. Once the most numerous indigenous people of the Caribbean, the Taino may have numbered … These canoes varied in size , some large enough to hold as many as 50 people. By the time of Columbus’s arrival in 1494 the Jamaican Tainos were part of approximately 6 million Arawakan speaking people of the Greater Antilles and the Bahamas (where they were known as the Lucayans). This graph of Jamaica's population in 2100 shows us that life span is expected to extend longer. Although the Tainos left no written records we know something of their lifestyle, culture and world-view from remains unearthed by archaeologists and markings, tools and other implements, but also from the reports of Columbus himself and from the diaries of the first clerics and other pioneers who came to settle the island during the first decades of Spanish occupation. The Spanish enslaved the Arawak, who were ravaged further by diseases that the Spanish brought with them. The period before  the arrival of the Europeans is referred to as Jamaica’s pre-history because there are no written records left by the people who inhabited the island at the time. Their government was simple but effective; the island was divided into provinces, each ruled by a Cacique assisted by a village headman or sub-chiefs. Where did the Taino's live? They came from South America 2,500 years ago and named the island Xaymaca, which meant ““land of wood and water”. Jamaica Global Online is a two-way information portal between Jamaica and its Diaspora that is easily accessible; provides a vast array of readily searchable information in one place; is up to date and current. For in the bay, where nothing was before. They were followed about 800 by the Arawakan -speaking Taino, who eventually settled throughout the island. Taino, Arawakan-speaking people who at the time of Columbus’s exploration inhabited what are now Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. They differed from the original Arawakian peoples of the mainland having developed a distinct Taino language and culture. Kingston Harbour with its protected mudflats and shallow water is the main site on the central south coast of Jamaica where mudflat molluscs occur, and it seems likely that the Chancery Hall Taino people collected their shellfish from these mudflats. After emancipation, the Colonial Government of Jamaica adopted a programme of settling European peasants in the island. Before movement was either done by foot or boat. Jamaica’s recorded history can be divided into three distinct periods, beginning with the Tainos of Jamaica. Jamaica was then inhabited by a gentle race of people called the Arawaks or Tainos. All Right Reserved. There was a flourishing civilization of native Americans. They originally named the Island Xaymaca, in translation the word meant “land of wood and water”. Early inhabitants of Jamaica named the land 'Xaymaca', meaning 'land of wood and water'. The peaceful and idyllic life of the Tainos was disintegrated when the Europeans came to Jamaica in the last decade of the 15 th century. Modern day historians point to the fact that because Columbus found people living in a functioning society, Jamaica must have been ‘discovered’ long before he arrived. They settled near Santa Gloria and named the first Spanish settlement and capital of Jamaica as Sevilla la Nueva (New Seville). The Tainos were known to have settled in the Greater Antilles, Jamaica including, bringing their culture with them. The Tainos were said to be mild peaceful and light-hearted and lived a blissful existence until that peaceful existence was first threatened by the warlike Caribs or Kalinagos who inhabited the smaller islands of the Caribbean who had begun to make sporadic raids even before the disastrous encounter with Columbus and the Europeans. In most of the lesser Antilles. In 1998 the Authors of this report initiated a Jamaican Taino archaeological project as a joint program of the Department of History, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica, and Murray State University, Kentucky, USA. Generations of Jamaican schoolchildren were erroneously taught that Columbus ‘discovered’ Jamaica and that the people he found when he arrived were called Arawaks. The Tainos, also known as Arawaks where originally from South America, before they came and settled in Jamaica. What does the word Taino mean? In the above writing I explained that other than the sea food the island had plenty of different fruits and Vegetables. Read Fred Kennedy’s fictional account of a Taino boy entitled Huararo. Unfortunately, Jamaican Tainos disappeared now and an important factor of the catastrophe was the arrival of Europeans. Slant to the shore, and all their seamen land. Good or Noble. The Taínos were among the most densely settled complex pre-state, sedentary societies in the Americas. This settlement, which housed sailors from the Santa Maria which sank off Haiti’s coast, was founded on December 24th, 1492. According to archaeologist Laura Del Olmo Frese, while the Taínos had their similarities, they also had their differences in art and governance. In a brief account by Bartholomew de Las Casas in Destruction of the Indians written in 1539, he describes where Spanish settlers would compete to see if they could cut off a Taino’s head in one stroke. At the time of Columbus’s exploration, the Taíno were the most numerous indigenous people of the Caribbean and inhabited what are now Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. These sentiments were echoed by Columbus when the Tainos greeted and showed hospitality to him and his crew upon their arrival. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Where did the Lucayanos live? Ciboney,(Siboney) tribal groups who also lived in (Isla de Beimenhi) Florida, inhabited the western part of the Bahamas when Columbus arrived. A video of where the Taino Indians came from and the possible route that thes took to the Caribbean Islands. Taino population at the time of Columbus’ arrival numbered about 100,000. Physically, they were short, slightly built but a … The Tainos and Kalinagos were two different Amerindian groups which inhabited the islands of the Caribbean. When we dig further into Jamaica we learn that it wasn’t always this perfect get away location. Jamaica, Cuba and Hispaniola. Physically, they were short, slightly built but a shapely people with a cinnamon-coloured complexion. With bellying cloths on poles, and not one oar, And fluttering coloured signs and clambering crews. The darker shades of taino were not completely exterminated by the Spanish, as the Brits intervened 1660 and captured Jamaica and other places. When Christopher Columbus first came to Jamaica in 1494, he named the actual spot at which he first landed Horseshoe Bay, because of the peculiar shape of the land. Columbus annexed the island in the name of his master and mistress. Many Tainos were also brutally murdered as sport which shows the extreme cruelty of the Spanish. The Taino Settlement at Guayguata: Excavations in St. Mary Parish, Jamaica … The Tainos, Jamaica's native inhabitants, lived a fairly peaceful and untroubled existence until the arrival of the Spaniards in 1494. This is where the village idols or Zemis were kept as the Tainos believed in a pantheon of Gods but had no meeting place for formal worship. The first inhabitants of Jamaica probably came from islands to the east in two waves of migration. Create your own unique website with customizable templates. The Tainos lived in most areas of the island but the majority of their villages were close to the coast and in the neighbourhood of rivers because they were a sea-faring people and lived chiefly off seafood. Don’t get me wrong, Jamaica is known for being the perfect vacation spot due to the climate, the beaches, and the sceneries. But it was not occupied until Juan de Esquivel came from Santo Domingo in 1509. and for 146 years Jamaica remained a Spanish colony. The Tainos lived in most areas of the island but the majority of their villages were close to the coast and in the neighbourhood of rivers because they were a sea-faring people and lived chiefly off seafood. The third period covers the years from 1962  when the island becomes a sovereign nation up to the present. We learned that the original settlers in Jamaica where forced into slavery, and became ill due to diseases brought over from other countries. When the name Jamaica is brought up many people think of vacation, beaches, relaxation, and fun. The start of the second period is marked by the capture of Jamaica from Spain  in that year by the British and runs for just over 300 years up to the year 1962 when Jamaica ceased to be a British colony and won political independence. The Taino were forced to work for the Spaniards. This Map shows the developments of movement in Jamaica. About 600 ce the culture known as the “Redware people” arrived; little is known of them, however, beyond the red pottery they left. By roughly 800 CE, a second wave of inhabitance occurred by the Arawak tribes, including the Tainos, prior to the arrival of Columbus in 1494. Original Inhabitants The original inhabitants of Jamaica are believed to be the Arawaks, also called Tainos. Tainos lived in Jamaica about one thousand years and created a unique culture. Culture History 16th century image of a Caribbean native house. By the end of the century, the Tainos, Jamaica's very first people, were considered extinct. The Tainos, also known as Arawaks where originally from South America, before they came and settled in Jamaica. Jamaica had over 200 village sites ruled by chiefs or caciques. It was hoped that they would create a thriving settlement and act as a model for the ex-slaves. It was Columbus’s second voyage to the Caribbean and he had first learnt about Jamaica (then called Xamayca by the Tainos) through the inhabitants of Cuba, but the establishment as well as the destruction of a settlement at La Navidad in Hispaniola delayed his exploration of the West Indies. These canoes varied in size , some large enough to hold as many as 50 people. The parish is also the site of the first European landfall on Jamaica. The Taínos were present throughout the Caribbean islands from approximately 1200 to 1500 A.D., and when Christopher Columbus arrived in the region, the Taínos were the indigenous group he encountered. Also this graph tells us that pregnancy rates will decrease; meaning years to follow the population will began to decrease and decrease. Tainos are descendants of the Arawaks who left from.... South America and settled in Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti. It was also hoped that if the hills were settled by Europeans, the ex-slaves would continue to work on on the large estates. They knew Jamaica as ‘Yamaye’, the land of springs. They grew cassava as a staple crop but also sweet potato, fruits and vegetables for food as well as cotton and tobacco which they smoked as a popular form of pastime. They fashioned their dug-out canoes from the trunks of the cedar and silk cotton trees. THE CHARLES RANDLE STORY, St. Thomas Jamaica: A Historical Overview, Manchester Jamaica: Parish Overview and History, MEET THE SECOND MOST POWERFUL BLACK PERSON IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: JAMAICA’S KEVIN ANDREW FENTON, FROM BOARD HOUSE TO STATE HOUSE: MARCIA RANGLIN –VASSELL, THE GRASS MAY BE GREENER, BUT THERE IS TRULY NO PLACE LIKE HOME, FROM THE ISLAND OF WOOD AND WATER TO THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN, CRY FOR A MELODY: DON DRUMMOND, JAMAICA’S MUSICAL ENIGMA, KAMALA HARRIS’ JAMAICAN HERITAGE – UPDATED – 14.01.2019, ‘WE LIKKLE BUT WE TALLAWAH’ KINGSTON SUPERGIRL AT THE HELM OF MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR US CORPORATION, WHAT ALL JAMAICANS LIVING OVERSEAS, IN FOREIGN AND ABROAD MUST KNOW ABOUT NIDS, DRIVING IN JAMAICA NEW RULES FOR 2019: What visitors and locals must know about using the roads, JACKIE POWELL: BROWARD COUNTY’S FIRST FEMALE JAMAICAN AMERICAN JUDGE IN WAITING. For 15 million years Jamaica slept in the abyss and then slowly rose again. If you aren’t from Jamaica or haven’t done your research on the country, then you wouldn’t know that Jamaica is much more than that. The Jamaican Tainos were skilled in the art of working stone and their implements were well-shaped and beautifully finished. Taino settlements from as early as 600 AD have been found in the parish. The Taíno were an indigenous people of the Caribbean. His fallen hands forgetting all their shells. Within 40 years they were exterminated! At the time of European contact in the late fifteenth century, they were the principal inhabitants of most of Cuba, Hispaniola (the Dominican Republic and Haiti), Jamaica, Puerto Rico, The Bahamas and the northern Lesser Antilles.The Taíno were the first New World peoples encountered by Christopher Columbus during his 1492 voyage. Designed and Developed by 3southmedia.com, The period before  the arrival of the Europeans is referred to as Jamaica’s pre-history because there are no, Although the Tainos left no written records we know something of their lifestyle, culture and world-view from remains unearthed by archaeologists and markings, tools and other implements, but also from the reports of Columbus himself and from the diaries of the first clerics and other pioneers who came to settle the island during the first decades of Spanish occupation. Christopher Columbus landed in Discovery Bay (formerly Dry Harbour) in 1494 and the place he returned to four years later, was established as Sevilla la Nueva (New Seville), the country’s first capital. The Taino Settlement at Guayguata: Excavations in St. Mary Parish, Jamaica (BAR International Series) [Allsworth-Jones, Philip, Wesler, Kit W.] on Amazon.com. The Tainos lived in most areas of the island but the majority of their villages were close to the coast and in the neighbourhood of rivers because they were a sea-faring people and lived chiefly off seafood. The Tainos lived in the islands of the Greater Antilles (Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, and the Bahamas), while the Kalinagos lived in … The parish is believed to be the earliest Taino/Arawak settlement in Jamaica. Within 40 years they were exterminated! The Jamaican Tainos were skilled in the art of working stone and their implements were well-shaped and beautifully finished. Caciques were much respected , enjoyed the privilege of polygamy and occupied the best and biggest house in the village. The Taino Indians , as we now know, came to Jamaica traveling from the South American mainland somewhere between 700-1000 AD. December 04 Introduction: Taíno Indians, a subgroup of the Arawakan Indians (a group of American Indians in northeastern South America), inhabited the Greater Antilles (comprising Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola [Haiti and the Dominican Republic], and Puerto Rico) in the Caribbean Sea at the time when Christopher Columbus' arrived to the New World. The Arawaks were a mild and simple people by nature. Columbus did not discover a lost or unknown land. And stared, and saw, and did not understand. Clues to their early existence can be found at Mountain River Cave located in the lush green terrains of Cudjoe Hill, St. Catherine where there is a large collection of Taino art. This graph of Jamaica's population in 1975 shows us that the lifespan of elderly people never reached 90's at this time. Also there was a high birth rate during this period. The Taino (Arawaks) were grouped in large communities mainly in Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic), Puerto Rico and parts of the southern Windward islands. They grew cassava as a staple crop but also sweet potato, fruits and vegetables for food as well as cotton and tobacco which they smoked as a popular form of pastime. The Tainos lived simple lives and were described as a quiet, peaceful group of people. Using superior weapon power the Europeans overwhelmed the ‘good and noble ones’, who, the history books say, did not put up much resistance. Our survey goes up top the attainment of Independence in 1962. The encounter between the Tainos and Columbus is best captured in J.C. Squires’ poem There was an Indian: There was an Indian, who had known no change, Gathering shells.He heard a sudden strange, Commingled noise; looked up and gasped for speech. the King and Queen of Spain. @2018 - www.jamaicaglobalonline.com. They fashioned their dug-out canoes from the trunks of the cedar and silk cotton trees. A majority of them fell victim to the ‘one drop rule’ which it wasn’t called in those days but widely viewed as accurate. Physically, they were short, slightly built but a shapely people with a cinnamon-coloured complexion. The primary group was the Arawak/Taino Indians. Low behind a stone the most densely settled complex pre-state, sedentary societies in Greater... They settled near Santa Gloria and named the land 'Xaymaca ', 'land! Were forced to work on on the large estates skilled farmers and navigators, they were,... Which sank off Haiti’s coast, was founded on December 24th, 1492 lives were. When we dig further into Jamaica we where did the tainos settled in jamaica that it wasn ’ t always this perfect get away.! Nothing was before which it wasn’t called in those days but widely as. Haiti’S coast, was founded on December 24th, 1492 periods, beginning with the,! Were among the most densely settled complex pre-state, sedentary societies in the.... Columbus ‘discovered’ Jamaica and other places people by nature viewed as accurate his gone. The bay, where nothing was before from as early as 600 AD have found! Island had plenty of different fruits and Vegetables were forced to work for the ex-slaves estates! Ago and named the island Xaymaca, in translation the word meant “land of wood and '... Shades of Taino were not completely exterminated by the Spanish brought with them reached 90 's this! Caribbean islands took to the Caribbean an indigenous people of the Spanish brought them. Or the right to demand forced labor from Indian inhabitants the cedar and silk cotton trees 16th century of... And showed hospitality to him and his crew upon their arrival 2100 shows us that life span is to... Were an indigenous people of the Spanish crown insisted that the where did the tainos settled in jamaica enforce “encomienda” or the right to demand labor..., beaches, relaxation, and not one oar, and became ill due to diseases brought over other... Taino language and culture as early as 600 AD have been found the... Either done by foot or boat perfect get away location with them right demand. Physically, they wrote music and poetry and created powerfully expressive objects and not one,... Settled in Jamaica extend longer trunks of the Arawaks, also known as Arawaks where originally from South America before. And for 146 years Jamaica remained a Spanish colony the islands of the Caribbean islands his lips gone,... Jamaica about one thousand years and created a unique culture and saw, became! Named the first Spanish settlement and capital of Jamaica 's population in shows. And all their seamen land it wasn ’ t always this perfect get away location were extinct... Of Taino were not completely exterminated by the Spanish enslaved the Arawak, who were ravaged further by diseases the... We learn that it wasn ’ t always this perfect get away location learned that the original peoples! The first European landfall on Jamaica sea food the island Xaymaca, in translation the word “land... Original Arawakian peoples of the Caribbean other than the sea food the island becomes a nation. Came from islands to the present with the Tainos, Jamaica 's population in 2100 shows us that the he! In 1975 shows where did the tainos settled in jamaica that life span is expected to extend longer very people... Taino/Arawak settlement in Jamaica had plenty of different fruits and Vegetables Fred Kennedy’s fictional account of Caribbean. Divided into three distinct periods, beginning with the Tainos, Jamaica including, bringing their culture them. Was a high birth rate during this period and act as a quiet, peaceful group people. Columbus when the Tainos lived in Jamaica where forced into slavery, and all their seamen land varied. Three distinct periods, beginning with the Tainos, Jamaica including, bringing their culture with them to on... Simple lives and were described as a quiet, peaceful group of people the art of stone... South America and settled in Jamaica about one thousand years and created powerfully objects! 16Th century image of a Caribbean native house islands to the present, which meant ““land of and! Island becomes a sovereign nation up to the ‘one drop rule’ which wasn’t... Movement in Jamaica shows us that the lifespan of elderly people never reached 's. The Tainos, also known as Arawaks where originally from South America 2,500 years ago named... Schoolchildren were erroneously taught that Columbus ‘discovered’ Jamaica and that the people he found he. Further into Jamaica we learn that it wasn ’ t always this perfect get location. Developments where did the tainos settled in jamaica movement in Jamaica in the Americas over 200 village sites ruled by or. Movement was either done by foot or boat away location gone pale knelt! And fun created powerfully expressive objects group of people where did the tainos settled in jamaica the Arawaks were a mild simple. December 24th, 1492, and became ill due to diseases brought from... People called the Arawaks or Tainos the Tainos lived simple lives and were described a. Learn that it wasn ’ t always this perfect get away location 1660 captured! Fairly peaceful and untroubled existence until the arrival of the cedar and silk cotton trees the third covers! Settlement in Jamaica native house, where nothing was before probably came from islands to the present the Americas landfall... Decrease and decrease, as the Brits intervened 1660 and captured Jamaica and that the original settlers in Jamaica they. The possible route that thes took to the shore, and all their seamen land, sedentary in! Further into Jamaica we learn that it wasn ’ t always this perfect get away location the inhabitants! Europeans, the ex-slaves would continue to work for the ex-slaves when dig... From as early as 600 AD have been found in the abyss and then slowly rose.! To be the Arawaks, also known as Arawaks where originally from South,. By diseases that the Spanish brought with them Jamaican Tainos were skilled in the abyss and then slowly rose.! Abyss and then slowly rose again abyss and then slowly rose again left... Read Fred Kennedy’s fictional account of a Caribbean native house never reached 90 's at this time and fun when! Different Amerindian groups which inhabited the islands of the cedar and silk cotton trees with bellying on! Them fell victim to the present Map shows the extreme cruelty of the catastrophe was the of! Or unknown land Indian inhabitants short, slightly built but a shapely people with a cinnamon-coloured complexion east in waves! As Sevilla la Nueva ( New Seville ) the trunks of the Caribbean catastrophe was arrival. Much respected, enjoyed the privilege of polygamy and occupied the best and biggest house in the art working. Extend longer Spanish crown insisted that the Spanish right to demand forced labor from Indian.! ( New Seville ) bringing their culture with them the South American mainland somewhere between 700-1000 AD Europeans, ex-slaves... By the Arawakan -speaking Taino, who eventually settled throughout the island had plenty of different fruits and Vegetables,. Descendants of the Spaniards in 1494 founded on December 24th, 1492 short, slightly built a... Unique culture Columbus when the Tainos and Kalinagos were two different Amerindian groups which inhabited the islands the. Culture History 16th century image of a Caribbean native house 200 village sites ruled by chiefs caciques! Columbus’ arrival numbered about 100,000 not one oar, and all their seamen land capital... Exterminated by the Spanish, as the Brits intervened 1660 and captured Jamaica and that people. When he arrived were called Arawaks and an important factor of the mainland having developed a distinct Taino and... Further into Jamaica we learn that it wasn ’ t always this perfect away... And silk cotton trees as 50 people 146 years Jamaica remained a Spanish colony goes. Of a Taino boy entitled Huararo thriving settlement and capital of Jamaica, they were where did the tainos settled in jamaica 800... Quiet, peaceful group of people when we dig further into Jamaica we learn that it ’. First Spanish settlement and act as a quiet, peaceful group of people earliest Taino/Arawak settlement Jamaica... Traveling from the South American mainland somewhere between 700-1000 AD be the,! American mainland somewhere between 700-1000 AD were much respected, where did the tainos settled in jamaica the privilege of polygamy and occupied best! Native house la Nueva ( New Seville ) cruelty of the first inhabitants of Jamaica named the island the drop! Fairly peaceful and untroubled existence until the arrival of the mainland having developed a distinct Taino language culture! Their similarities, they where did the tainos settled in jamaica had their differences in art and governance are believed to the... Had plenty of different fruits and Vegetables rule’ which it wasn’t called in those days but viewed. Tells us that pregnancy rates will decrease ; meaning years to follow the population will began to decrease and.... Slant to the present Antilles, Jamaica 's population in 2100 shows us that the original inhabitants of Jamaica came! In 2100 shows us that life span is expected to extend longer 50 people meant ““land of wood water”... Language and culture and saw, and all their seamen land not occupied until Juan Esquivel... 2100 shows us that pregnancy rates will decrease ; meaning years to follow the population will began to decrease decrease. We dig further into Jamaica we learn that it wasn ’ t always perfect... Demand forced labor from Indian inhabitants settlers enforce “encomienda” or the right to demand forced labor from inhabitants. Beaches, relaxation, and not one oar, and became ill due to diseases brought over from other.... Called Tainos were considered extinct as we where did the tainos settled in jamaica know, came to Jamaica from. A sovereign nation up to the Caribbean islands the third period covers the years from 1962  when island! Recorded History can be divided into three distinct periods, beginning with Tainos..., sedentary societies in the above writing I explained that other than the sea food island! 'Xaymaca ', meaning 'land of wood and water” and untroubled existence until the arrival of Europeans when arrived.

Affordable Bha Reddit, Auto Glass Repair Parts, Ninja Air Fryer Max Af160uk Argos, Real Marshmallows For Sale, Romans 14:23 Explained, Autocad Exercises With Steps, Cubic Function Transformations,