What did the tainos contribute to Jamaica culture?

The Tainos spoke an Arawakan language. Elements of this language can still be found in Jamaican language, such as word such as "barbacoa" (barbeque), "canoe", "hamaca" (hammock) and "tabaco" (tobacco).

Religion

The Tainos were a polytheistic society. They believed in many gods and goddesses. The most important of these was "Yaya", the creator of the world, and his son "Guabancex", the god of the wind and rain.

Art

Taino art was highly stylized. They created petroglyphs, carvings, and pottery. Much of Jamaican crafts and wood carvings are influenced by Taino art.

Music

Taino music was rhythmic and percussion based. They used drums, rattles and wooden instruments. Taino music heavily influenced modern Reggae and Mento.

Food

Tainos were mainly fishermen and agriculturists. They ate a variety of fruits, vegetables and fish. They also cultivated cassava and made cassava bread, which is still popular in Jamaican cuisine today.