The Arawaks brought with them a variety of agricultural practices, including the cultivation of crops such as cassava, maize, and sweet potatoes. These crops became staples of the Jamaican diet and continue to be important food sources today.
Language
The Arawak language, Taíno, was spoken throughout the Caribbean. While it is no longer spoken in Jamaica today, many place names and words in the Jamaican language are of Arawak origin. These words include "hurricane" (from the Taíno word "huracán") and "canoe" (from the Taíno word "kanoa").
Art and culture
The Arawaks were skilled artists and craftsmen. They produced beautiful pottery, carvings, and jewelry. Many of these artifacts can be found in museums in Jamaica today.
The Arawaks also had a rich oral tradition. They passed down stories, songs, and dances from generation to generation. These stories and songs continue to be part of Jamaican culture today.
Social and political organization
The Arawaks lived in villages led by chiefs. The chiefs were responsible for making decisions and settling disputes. The Arawaks also had a system of communal land ownership.
The Arawak way of life was disrupted by the arrival of the Spanish in the late 15th century. The Spanish conquistadors enslaved the Arawaks and forced them to work in the gold mines. Many Arawaks died from disease, overwork, and mistreatment. By the early 17th century, the Arawak population in Jamaica had been decimated.
Despite the tragic end of the Arawak civilization, their contributions to Jamaican culture and society continue to live on.
