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Organizing the Harvest
  • One of the principle duties of the cacique was to organize the harvest for his tribe. The chieftain was in charge of determining the best places to plant the crops. All caciques had the right to clear land if they wished to grow produce at a given spot. He was also in charge of deciding when to plant and when to harvest the fields.
Planning Wars
  • The cacique was very much like the commander in chief. He decided when to go to war with another tribe. Indigenous groups such as the Arawaks in what is now Jamaica and the Taínos of Puerto Rico weren't always peaceful. Violent disputes over territory called for a cacique to take command of his warriors and send them into battle.
Leading Construction
  • Construction was an important part of life for primitive tribes in the Caribbean, and caciques were essentially the foremen. A cacique had to delegate tasks to his people. Some were instructed to build huts, places of worship or fortifications. Others were tasked to build canoes, utensils, weapons and tools.
Creating Political Bonds
  • Caciques were polygamous. They had multiple wives to tend to all their needs. Much like some of the political marriages in European history, these tribal leaders often married the daughters of other chieftains to form alliances and bring about peace between tribes. One of the most common ways to gain an ally was to pay a suitable dowry in order to marry the favorite daughter of another cacique.
Hosting Religious Ceremonies and Festivals
  • Another responsibility held by the cacique was the administration and hosting of most religious ceremonies as well as many festivals. The indigenous people in the Caribbean and Latin America were spiritually oriented, and the cacique was in charge of conducting ceremonies in honor of the gods and nature. These chieftains also hosted regular events to celebrate yearly festivals such as summer solstice and the first day of harvest.
Judging the People
  • One last duty of a cacique was to judge his people. Members of the community followed basic laws pertaining to theft, murder and infidelity. The cacique had to decide what punishments were suitable for certain crimes, and to sentence the perpetrators after a period of deliberation. For instance, Arawak chieftains often sentenced thieves to death by impalement.
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What are the duties of the taino chief?

The Taino chief, known as the "Cacique," was responsible for leading his community, making decisions regarding governance, and maintaining social order. He acted as a mediator in disputes and oversaw the distribution of resources. Additionally, the Cacique played a crucial role in religious and ceremonial practices, ensuring the community's spiritual well-being. His leadership was vital for the cohesion and survival of the Taino society.


Who is the taino chief?

Each society has a small kingdom and the leader is called a cacique


What is the name given to the taino or African Chief?

The title often given to a Taino or African chief is "Cacique." In Taino culture, a cacique was a leader or chief responsible for governing a community. Similarly, in various African cultures, the term "chief" or "king" is used to denote a local leader or ruler, though specific titles can vary widely depending on the region and ethnic group.


What was the name given to lesser chief in the taino society?

In Taino society, the lesser chiefs were known as "nitaínos." They served under the principal chief, or "cacique," and played important roles in local governance and community leadership. The nitaínos were responsible for various tasks, including managing local affairs and assisting in decision-making processes within their communities.


What position did the cacique had?

In the Taino village the cacique been the head and the leader obtained his position through heredity. This means that the position was passed down from the father to the eldest son in the family if the father had no older son the eldest daughter's son would get it.

Related Questions

Who is the leader of the Taino society?

The leader is called a Cacique


Who is the taino chief?

Each society has a small kingdom and the leader is called a cacique


State ONE difference between a cacique's wife and an ordinary Taino female?

difference between the observed outcome and the "normal" outcome (the difference between P2 and Q


What were the gender roles in the Taino society?

what were the gender activiyies in the taino society


What was the name given to lesser chief in the taino society?

In Taino society, the lesser chiefs were known as "nitaínos." They served under the principal chief, or "cacique," and played important roles in local governance and community leadership. The nitaínos were responsible for various tasks, including managing local affairs and assisting in decision-making processes within their communities.


Who was the ruler of the Arawaks?

The arawaks of society was governed by a cacique . This leader could be male or female and inherited his or her position from one generation to another. The cacique had several role and responsibilities and also many privileges .


Who was the carib leader?

the kalinago leader was called the ubutu , he was less powerful than the cacique (taino leader) except in times of war


What position did the cacique had?

In the Taino village the cacique been the head and the leader obtained his position through heredity. This means that the position was passed down from the father to the eldest son in the family if the father had no older son the eldest daughter's son would get it.


Describe four ways in which the political organisation of the tainos were different from the caribs?

The Tainos were a more settled, agricultural society with hierarchical chiefdoms, while the Caribs were semi-nomadic and organized in smaller autonomous villages. Taino political structure was more centralized and led by a cacique (chief), whereas Carib societies were more egalitarian and decentralized. Taino society was more focused on trade and diplomacy, while Caribs were known for their warfare and resistance against colonization. Taino political organization centered around ceremonial ball courts and alliances through intermarriage, while Carib society was characterized by matrilineal descent and less emphasis on political centralization.


What is the name of the lucayan leader cacique?

His name was Cacique.


When was Cacique Bandeira created?

Cacique Bandeira was created in 1975.


What was cacique house was called?

What did the cacique house call?