The Taíno religion was centered around the divine character or nature representing Yucahú the god of the yuca (cassava) and conservation, and Atabey the goddess of rain, river, and the sea. There were other minor gods governing the natural forces, and they were all conceived as a cemí. For example, Boinayel was the giver of the rain. Therefore, the cemí had the power to make it rain. The cemíes came in all sizes and most were three-pointers.Nitaínos carved elaborate cemíes and some were painted and decorated with gold and precious stones. Most of them had human facial or animal features carved on them representing a divine creator or a force of nature.
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Little one’s dujo and cemí made out of play dough. You can see on the replicas the facial human and animal features. |
For more information about the Taínos click here, and here. Hope you enjoyed today’s installment of our series Discovering Our Taíno Ancestry. In our upcoming installments the coquí the unofficial mascot of Puerto Rico, do-it-yourself petroglyphs, and more!
How are you celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with your children? Please like, pin, comment, or share.
So cool Frances! I love how you are teaching your son about his ancestry and I'm really enjoying learning along with him!
I'm impressed with his sculpture abilities! Cool project!
Thank you for teaching me and other’s about your culture. I am happy that I can share it with my child to broaden her understanding of other cultures and beliefs in the world. God (yours and mine and everyone elses’) you and keep you doing what you love!!!