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Taíno rock sculpture of Cacique Mabodamaca. Picture taken during our visit during the summer. |
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La Cara del Indio. Rock sculpture of the Chieftain Mabodamaca. This picture was taken years ago when it was first sculpted. Between 2001 or 2002. |
- Taíno: native indigenous inhabitants descendants of the Arawaks
- Cemí: three pointed stone that was the physical representation of Taíno deities (gods)
- Borikén: Taíno name of Puerto Rico
- Coquí: Small tree frog native to Puerto Rico

- The nitaínos were the noble class, and this is where the chiefs or caciques came from. The cacique wore a guanín (a gold medal around his neck) as a symbol of his status.
- The bohíques were the priest, wise men, and doctors.
- The naborias were the lower class. They were the farmers, and fishermen.
In our upcoming installments of “Discovering Our Taíno Ancestry” we will learn about the cemí, the coquí the unofficial mascot of Puerto Rico, do-it-yourself petroglyphs, and more!
This post was part of the 2013 Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Blog Hop hosted by Multicultural Kid Blogs.
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What an amazing post! I learned so much already! 🙂 I really love the sensory bin you guys made…I love how hands-on your lessons are with your son. Can't wait for the next installment of the series!
I also love that sensory bin! I'm so glad you had such a wonderful trip and that you are continuing the learning at home. I'm pinning this – I want to get that book and try some of your activities in our homeschool.
Oh my goodness, your sensory village is amazing! Thanks for sharing this fascinating bit of history.
This is a very impressive village! Love it! Such a meaningful learning!
The yucayeque was fascinating, as well as the sculpture of Mabodamaca. I've done some research on the Tainos and have written a couple of historical fiction novellas about them. There is so little we know about the people who greeted the Spaniards and were extremely hospitable to them. But we're beginning to dig up more and more facts about them. I have learned some about them but am still doing research. Thanks to you, I learned about Mabodamaca, the great casique of Boriken. I think he must have a been contemporary of the great Agueybana. Thanks for a great blog!
True, there is so much more to learn about the Taínos. I'm hoping to visit Puerto Rico soon to visit with my son and husband Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Center and I'll be writing about it as well.
Donald, you have peaked my interest on the novelas you have written, and on your research. Thanks for stopping by! Also, how did you find my teeny li'l blog? Just curious. 🙂 Thanks again!