Indigenous Peoples of the Americas: Tainos, Kalinagos, and Mayans

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to the indigenous peoples of the Americas, focusing on the Tainos, Kalinagos, and Mayans.

Indigenous Peoples

Native peoples of the Americas with distinct cultural and historical backgrounds.

Tainos

An Arawak indigenous group that settled in Hispaniola, Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and parts of the Bahamas.

Kalinagos (Caribs)

An indigenous group that settled in Grenada, Tobago, St Vincent, St Kitts & Nevis, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola.

Mayans

An indigenous civilization known for its advanced society, settled in Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala.

Beringia/Bering Strait theory

A theory explaining how early peoples migrated from Central East Asia to North America via a frozen land bridge.

Nomadic

A lifestyle where groups move frequently in search of food and resources.

Canoes

Large boats made from tree trunks used by indigenous peoples for trade and transportation.

Cacique

The hereditary chief of the Taino society responsible for leadership and decision-making.

Ppolms

Merchants in Mayan society who facilitated trade between city-states.

Zemis

Idols worshipped by the Tainos believed to control sickness, weather, and other aspects of life.

Barter system

An economic system where goods and services are exchanged directly without money.

Agricultural practices

Methods of farming and cultivation used by the Tainos and Kalinagos for subsistence.

Ouboutou

The chief of the Kalinagos, achieved through military prowess.

Halach uinich

The title of the chief in Mayan society inherited through family lineage.

Polytheistic

Belief in multiple gods, as practiced by Tainos, Kalinagos, and Mayans.

Social division of labor

Assignment of roles and responsibilities based on age and sex within Taino and Kalinago villages.