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 to raid Taino villages or even other Kalinago villages to get food supplies. Also because the Kalinagos were a warlike group of people, fighting was an important occupation. The way of life of the two groups of Amerindians was also different. Kalinago men and older boys lived together in a large rectangular house called a carbet.
The women and children lived in small one room huts. This was to facilitate warrior training for the Kalinago men and boys. On the other hand the Tainos lived as extended or nuclear families in small huts. The largest hut called a caneye was the home of the cacique. Although the Taino and the Kalinago were Amerindians and some aspect of their culture similar, there were major differences. These differences led to the emergence of two distinct societies. They had major differences in their government, occupations and their way of life.
Here are some guidelines which you observe when writing an essay: Step 1: Begin by introducing the topic and making clear your position in an introductory paragraph. Step 2: Develop each point in a separate paragraph. It is most effective to present your reasons in order of importance. Some writers begin with the least important reason and lead up to the most important one, others however start with the strongest reason and follow it with lesser reason. This section may take about 3 – 4 paragraphs. Step3: Summarize your argument in a concluding paragraph by restating your position and the supporting reasons for it.
