The nitainos were a class of lesser nobility in pre-Columbian Taino society, primarily found in the Caribbean, particularly on the islands of Hispaniola and Puerto Rico. They were typically the sons of the chief or cacique and held important roles within their communities, often serving as leaders in local governance, agriculture, and warfare. The nitainos played a crucial role in maintaining the social structure and cultural practices of the Taino people, especially during the early encounters with European colonizers. Their status was below that of the caciques, but they were still respected and influential within their societies.