24 thoughts on “The Tainos among us: Fact or Fiction?”
Of course there are…
All you need to do is look around you and see prominent Native American features in many Puerto Ricans and Dominicans. It might be a mistake to insist that they be Boriken, given the frequent migration of preColombian peoples, but what is certain is that a strong gene pool is extant.
I think what we see is also a resurgence of these genes which may have remained dormant or recessive for generations. A geneticist would have to tell us why this phenomena occurs, but there is no question in my mind that the Boriken gene pool is alive & well.
I must say that I find it interesting that this question comes up periodically with regard to Boriken (or Arawak &tc), while it does not for other groups that inhabited (and continue to do so) the Caribbean before Columbus arrived; or, in fact, of European and African gene pools which you can plainly see in a major segment of the Puerto Rican population.
RE: Of course there are…
And who might these other groups who inhabited the Caribbean before Columbus arrived be? I disagree with this biologically reductionist assessment. It’s completely bogus. The re-surgence, for want of a better word, reflects a more social phenomenon than anything else. In Puerto Rico, the Afro-boricuas see those identifying with being Taino as a direct affront if not threat to their black movement. They believe these Tainos just don’t want to see themselves as black–they’d rather be Indios if they can’t be Spaniards! On the otherhand, there is definitely a cultural movement, if not political movement, reflecting the values and some customs, I imagine, of the Tainos. I actually saw a funereal rite in the Lower East Side of New York City this past April. And many of these folks did look Taino! That is, mestizo and some also appeared to have African blood. You see how absurd this could get. But they indeed were engaged in a sacred ritual that they clearly identified as Taino. And who was I to say–even if I was an anthropologist? We’re treading sacred ground here. If we argue that Puerto Ricans are all mixed, although have more or this or that, then we can choose to identify with whatever part of us we wish–or we can identify with all. We’re talking of self-identification here which reminds me of an old neighbor in the Bronx who was from the Virgins Islands, had married an African American, was as dark-complected as her husband, and claimed to be white. We, of course, were nonplussed but it was really up to her to claim whatever she wanted and then deal with whatever repercussions there were. I wouldn’t set policy by her but I imagine if there were a sufficient number who held the same view as she, policy would be de facto set. In other words, we once again down the thorny racial identification road which is a subjective and cultural phenomenon. As much as red and vermillion are.
Not reductionistic…
The point of my comments was not to minimize or obscure contemporary social considerations about race. Instead, my observations addressed an “extant gene pool” which is as much a part of our heritage as African and European. The subtext to my comments is that we have been taught through the years that there are no Borikens anymore, not that they may exist to any degree in many of us. As Ms Smit points out, the racial mix is, in many cases, indistinguishable. However, that mix does not negate the active presence of any part of the gene pool. I use the phrase Iberi-Negro Cari-Borican for one of my photographic essays. It means that we are all significantly Iberian, African, Caribbean, and Borikan.
Now, if someone or a group wishes to stress Borikan heritage, especially if they can document its dominance genealogically, it is their right to do so. Is that racist, maybe. As a Black Puerto Rican man, I do not feel obligated to to melt everyone in my culture into one seemless racial grouping, even if that generally appears to be the case. I have known many Puerto Ricans who are entirely Black and others who are entirely White. I’m very comfortable with that.
With respect to pre-Columbian inhabitants of the Caribbean, I’m not sure my supposition that the Caribbean was inhabited by other than Borikan and Arawak peoples needs any defense. In fact, I feel any other supposition would be preposterous. The human race is essentially migratory. We know, for example, that Phoenicians navigated the Caribbean; and some researchers even posit that the monolithic [bemba] monuments in Mexico are of Phoenician origin. If we can reasonably assume, just for a monument, that this was the case, would it be unreasonable to assume that Native Americans of those regions would carry a Phoenician gene pool. The answer is a patent “no.”
Contemporary socio-political considerations do not nullify genuine claims to racial heritage. The very worse that can happen is that groups that pursue these identities bring yet more information to the discussion.
A Caveat: Please refer to yesterday’s news item which presents findings that genome research is unable to make significant distinctions between any racial group. In other words, race does not seem to play that strong a role in the evolution of the Human Race.
RE: Not reductionistic…
Genes don’t carry culture. “Looking” Taino—whatever that may be— {or African or Chinese) or being able to trace one’s biological ancestry to the Amazon (or the Great Zimbabwe or the Great Wall) does not mean that one IS Taino (or South African or Chinese.) Thus, even if such a thing as “a resurgence of [Taino] genes” were feasible, it would remain irrelevant with respect to Taino culture.
Taínos
Lo único que queda de taíno en el pueblo puertorriqueño es lo que queda diluído de ellos en nuestro banco genético y varios rasgos que han dejado en nuestra cultura que van desde la comida hasta palabras taínas que se han incorporado en el español que se habla en Puerto Rico. Sin embargo cada cual puede asumir la identidad que le plazca. Mas aún si, por mínimo que sea se lleva en los genes. Pero para mí la mayoría de la gente que clama ser “taíno”, padecen a mi entender de un complejo de inferioridad, que como bien menciona K Smit los hace preferir ser “indios taínos” antes que aceptar que no se pueden ver a si mismos como Españoles (blancos) Por otro lado tal vez influya el tambien la idea romantizada de una raza extinta. Algo parecido a la idea romantizada que en Estados Unidos a existido del “noble salvaje”, en referencia a los indígenas de lo que hoy conocemos como Estados Unidos. Tambien hay que considerar que hay muchos puertorriqueños criados en E.U. que adoptan los patrones de cultura estadounidense referente al asunto de las razas. Por ejemplo, en E.U. siempre se ha dicho que si un blanco tiene un antepasado, por remoto que sea, que fuera negro, entonces esta persona es considerada negra por el resto de la población blanca. Una especie de blanco “inpuro”. Sin embargo cuando un negro tiene un antepasado blanco, a esta persona se le sigue considerando negro y no blanco. Por supuesto sabemos que esto esta basado en un racismo que pretende “protejer” la pureza racial del blanco. (Algo muy parecido a la forma de pensar de los nazis) De la misma forma es interesante notar que entonces estos boricuas que se autodenominan “taínos” escojen, al no poder identificarse con los blancos de E.U. escojan ser “taínos” antes que escojer ser “africanos”. Como siempre, al negro lo quieren sacar de la carrera. Y no hay duda de que algunos puertorriqueños parecen indígenas. Pero creo que esto es mas bien por la continua unión racial entre blancos y negros que se da en Puerto Rico y no porque, despues de siglos, “resurjan” los genes taínos como si fueran los restos de un barco antiguo que sale a la superficie cuendo baja el nivel en un cuerpo de agua. Lo que pasa es que, como siempre, y me puedo equivocar en este caso en específico, al negro lo quieren sacar de la carrera.
Post Data a taínos
Al café, cuando le hechan leche, ya no es café. Es café con leche.
TAINO EXISTENCE?
YO CREO POR TODO QUE YO AVISTO,QUE..
THAT THE ONLY PRE-EXISTENTIAL TAINO EXISTENCE AMONGST US IS THE “TAINO CEREMONIAL RELIGIOUS SUPERSTITIOUSNESS”,JUDGING BY ALL OF OUR/THE BOTANICA STOREFRONTS IN THE ISLAND,AND WITHIN THE WALKING CULTURAL MILE TO EL MUSEO DEL BARRIO, NEW YORK.
THE TAINO EXISTENCE, STOOD ON A VERY INDIAN SUPERSTITIOUS PLATEAU,PRACTICED BY ALL OF US THIS 21ST CENTURY,DATED BACK TO THE 10TH CENTURY OF EXISTENCE…
RE: TAINO EXISTENCE?
This is really hard to understand. Perhaps, you could re-state what you’ve said in your entry. Botanicas, however, are not Taino but Yoruban, that is–they are really outgrowths of Santeria and Espiritismo. Please correct me if I am wrong.
RE: Not reductionistic…
How about the term:
“CARIBERICAINOS”. Does that work as an inclusive term (CARIBE, IBERIa, afRICANOS, tAINOS). I sure hope so since I am planning to use it in a book title on “Identity and Self Definition” among “colonized” peoples.
RV-R
RE: Not reductionistic…
How about the term:
“CARIBERIKAINOS”. Does that work as an inclusive term (CARIBE, IBERIa, afRIKANOS, tAINOS). I sure hope so since I am planning to use it in a book title on “Identity and Self Definition” among “colonized” peoples.
RV-R
IberiNegro-CariBorican vs. Caribericainos
To Rafael Ventura-Rosa:
When I coined the term IberiNegro-CariBorican for my photographic essay (SEMOS IberiNegro-CariBorican), I was careful to stress the origin of our primary racial groups in the phonetic presentation, viz: Iberi(a), Negro, Caribe, Borican.
In your coinage, I clearly hear & see Caribe, Iberi or Iberi(ca), and of course [T]aino. I do not hear either Africa or Negro.
RE: IberiNegro-CariBorican vs. Caribericainos
LOOK CLOSER. IRONY OF IRONIES, AS WITH OUR OWN DIVERSIFIED CULTURE, IT TAKES A LITTLE MORE DIGGING TO FIND “LO NEGRO” OR “AFRIKANO”, EITHER BECAUSE WE ARE UNAWARE OF IT (DUE TO EDUCATIONAL MALPRACTICE, IGNORANCE, ETC.) OR BEING AWARE OF IT, HAVE CHOSEN TO HIDE IT (Y TU ABUELA DONDE ESTA?) DIG IT, BRO?
PEACE,
RAFAEL
http://www.INDEPENDENCIA.net
For more information about the Vieques
struggle and about Puerto Rico’s
struggle for national independence,
please visit:
Self-identification must be respected
Self-identification has its roots in past history and current politics and must be respected for it.
Haven’t most nations created their own forms of self-identification? What’s all the Greek and Latin stuff we constantly rehash as the fundamental roots of Western Civilization? People want to laugh at the Tainos of Puerto Rico or criticize them as having ulterior racial motives–i.e. undermining the black movement in Puerto Rico, if one can speak in these terms. But prima facie, these men and women should be allowed to express their “nativity” however way they want. It is oppressive to mock them or try to stop them.
no race gene in the human genome
there’s no race gene in the human gene map so many of you will have to find some other way to buttress your views. i’m all for self-definition. the only problem is when conflict arises between what i think or myself and what others see me as being. this is really the issue, ultimately. it’s the clash of perceptions that get played out. whose reality holds up? the one who has the power to impose their view.
This is such a big deal when it really shouldn’t be.. Any real intelligent Puerto Rican knows that he is a mix of Taino, African, and Spanish… With that dosen’t anyone ever think that there are those of us Puerto Ricans who have been raised in one culture more than the other and becuase of that you are going to have those who identify themselves more as being one or the other? Also and this is a real important point I must stress.. did anyone ever think that (like Myself) there are people who know that there are people who celebrate all three cultures and pratice the ways of all three?….Also (like Myself) did anyone ever think that there might be those of us who recognize certain parts of culture and history that is lost or hidden and they want to bring it to the forfront on purpose so that it can get recognition it deserved and not nessesarily because they don’t want to be black or white or indian? I myself celebrate and practice all cultures and idenitify with being all….BORICUAS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A LOVING PEOPLE AND WE SHOULD STAY THAT WAY .. THIS IS WHY BACK IN THE DAY WE WERE CALLED TAINOS THE WORD TAINO MEANS GOOD OR NOBLE SO WE SHOULD UPHOLD THAT AND NOT GET CAUGHT UP IN RACE ETC…BUT LOVE LIVE AND LET LIVE AS PROUD BORICUAS UNITED!!!! WETHER BLACK, SPANISH, INDIAN OR A MIXTURE THERE OF PAZ Y PALANTE MI GENTE~!!!
My mum is half irish half jamacian and my dad is from guyana and is dark black with red skin (must have some indian influence)
my skin is very red my hair is very negro and my nose favours that of a white man
anyway ive been researching phonecians for some reason and looking at pics of them
I recently went to Jamacia and i am sure i saw quite a few people with phonecian features, they definately played a huge role in jamacia
OF COURSE THERE PEOPLE IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC(mostly in the “el cibao” region) WHO HAVE TAINO FEATURE , AND SOME ALSO NOT ONLY LOOK, BUT HAVE PURE BLOOD, THE SAME THING GOES FOR PUERTO RICO. PUERTO RICO HAS MANY TAINO FEATURE AND BLOOD COMPARE TO THE REST OF THE ISLAND, AS YOU CAN SEE IT ON THESE PEOPLE.
SO YEAH
AND ANYBODY WHO BELIEVE THEY ALL DIE, ARE USUALLY WHITE
SPANIARD, WHO GOD SHALL WIPE OUT NOT JUST THEME, BUT ANY F###
WHITE MAN ON EARTH FOR THEIR UNATURAL WAYS, AND EVIL IN THE WORLD.
AND YES THIS IS COMING FROM A TAINO “BROTHA”
LONG LIVE ARE PEOPLE AND “NATIVE AMERICANS”
I am a 53 year old man who lived in Boriken and learned to plant with a coa, to plant according to the moon cycles and to pick plants for medicine with prayer and ritual. Both my grandmothers were biologically over 25% Taino. When I was a five year old boy we would stand pointing to the sky when we saw a plane , because seeing one fly over you was not an everyday thing. I was lucky to spend time with my great grandmother who was a young girl when the Spanish still ruled Boriken. She taught me that we were part indian on both sides of the family and while we had European and African Forefathers, she taught me we were of our mother’s people. She taught me how to santiguar to become a curandero by the age of 12. I have never denied my Spanish or African componants, but I am Taino not only by blood but also by culture. Just because it may not have been part of another’s reality does not mean it does not exist. We were taught to have a relationship with the land that is difficult to explain. Every tree,rock and river has a spirit and is alive. The trees mourn for us when we die and sing for us when we are born. This is the religion I was raised with. I learned it on the lap of my grand mothers. I have studied the religions of my fore fathers out of respect for them. In doing so I have learned how many things are the same and how some are very different. Some very core beliefs my ancestors gave me will never be accepted in Spain or in Nigeria. In fact my Spanish and Nigerian friends celebrate my indigenous roots so why shouldn’t I? How do I take away from the Orisha or from the noble people of Africa by identifying with the culture of my maternal line? In most major religions you will be told that the consecrated soul does not choose the spirit. It is the Spirit that chooses you. Many people in the Taino movement have been choosen by the spirit of their ancestors to ensure that their contributions are not forgotten. Just 15 years ago we were told that when the DNA test would come out, we in the movement would look foolish because we were sure not to have any Indian background. Well the test were done and 62% of Boricua have Taino roots. So why the attacks ? We are not taking anything from anybody. The American , Spanish and African cultures are celebrated widely in Puerto Rico. Let us celebrate our Native connections. The same people who say there is no Taino culture left will turn around and call us quacks when we share our spirituality. We continue to follow the example of our ancestors, we seek no converts nor do we take without giving back. If you can not help us do not attack us.
In Peace
Jan Jan Katu ( yes it is so)
I surely believe that those that oppose a positive thing are lonely and seeking attention,they will never accept the beauty of the puerto rican culture,no matter how many articles are written.Bottom line is if you can feel the music then you will dance,IF YOU DON’T,THEN YOU JUST DON’T.As puerto ricans some like one song better than the other,in some cases.All in all accept who you are,I’D rather people hate me for who I am,than love me for whom I’m not.I’m proud to be puerto rican,EQUA HEY!!!
I believe that puertorican people do have genetic and phisical characteristics of tainos these is because I have seen people with who are really near to a complete taino apearence. Maybe not everyone has as much characteristics as the other but they do have it even if they don’t want to acept it. All puertorican people have indian, spanish and african gens and they have to be concern about it. We are the less apropiade persons to discriminate. No one has the right to discriminate but we are the less that can do these type of things. People we are Indians, Africans and Spanish we have to be proud of it not everyone has three different racial kinds. Because of these we have to support our people. You can’t say you are just one racial type because you are not. I am 14 years old and I Know and acept who I am. Horey for Puerto Rico
i like all your comments fo realz. because im black and puertoriquena tambien.. and i have pride for both side of me. i say the mixer the better..
Yo naci en P.R. pero me crie en E.U., pase mi infancia en un ciudad muy grande del este. No se como pero yo sabia que mi habia mas de lo que se vea. Un dia de visita en la isla, en casa de mi abuela ,que descance en paz! ella me dijo lo que de alguna forma yo ya sabia pero la gente me ridiculisaba. Que yo era parte taino y que no debia sentirme abergonsado por ello. El punto que traigo es que eso se siente por dentro desde el dia que se nace, eso es parte de ser boricua. Taino ti que el gran espiritu los bendiga!
La Liga Guakia Taina-ke, da un paso adelante en la creación del primer Registro Taino de Boriken. Puedes bajar nuestro Formulario interactivo del Registro o entrar al siguiente sitio http://www.formspring.com/forms/?21604-Qj4dzoJH0n. Llene el formulario y al terminar la encuesta, oprima el botón que indica “Submit Form”.
Te invitamos a que formes parte de La Liga Guakia Taína-ke en tu urbanización, barrio o comunidad. La Liga unificara nuestras voces para conservar la herencia natural y cultural de Boriken para las futuras generaciones.
PROXIMAS ACTIVIDADES
MAYO 11 (9am-4:00pm) Centro de Estudios Avanzados de PR y el Caribe
TEMA: RECONSTRUCCION DEL LEGUAJE TAINO
MAYO 16 (9am-3:30pm) UPR-Rio Piedras REB 139
TEMA: SOBREVIVENCIA TAINA EN BORIKEN
Of course there are…
All you need to do is look around you and see prominent Native American features in many Puerto Ricans and Dominicans. It might be a mistake to insist that they be Boriken, given the frequent migration of preColombian peoples, but what is certain is that a strong gene pool is extant.
I think what we see is also a resurgence of these genes which may have remained dormant or recessive for generations. A geneticist would have to tell us why this phenomena occurs, but there is no question in my mind that the Boriken gene pool is alive & well.
I must say that I find it interesting that this question comes up periodically with regard to Boriken (or Arawak &tc), while it does not for other groups that inhabited (and continue to do so) the Caribbean before Columbus arrived; or, in fact, of European and African gene pools which you can plainly see in a major segment of the Puerto Rican population.
RE: Of course there are…
And who might these other groups who inhabited the Caribbean before Columbus arrived be? I disagree with this biologically reductionist assessment. It’s completely bogus. The re-surgence, for want of a better word, reflects a more social phenomenon than anything else. In Puerto Rico, the Afro-boricuas see those identifying with being Taino as a direct affront if not threat to their black movement. They believe these Tainos just don’t want to see themselves as black–they’d rather be Indios if they can’t be Spaniards! On the otherhand, there is definitely a cultural movement, if not political movement, reflecting the values and some customs, I imagine, of the Tainos. I actually saw a funereal rite in the Lower East Side of New York City this past April. And many of these folks did look Taino! That is, mestizo and some also appeared to have African blood. You see how absurd this could get. But they indeed were engaged in a sacred ritual that they clearly identified as Taino. And who was I to say–even if I was an anthropologist? We’re treading sacred ground here. If we argue that Puerto Ricans are all mixed, although have more or this or that, then we can choose to identify with whatever part of us we wish–or we can identify with all. We’re talking of self-identification here which reminds me of an old neighbor in the Bronx who was from the Virgins Islands, had married an African American, was as dark-complected as her husband, and claimed to be white. We, of course, were nonplussed but it was really up to her to claim whatever she wanted and then deal with whatever repercussions there were. I wouldn’t set policy by her but I imagine if there were a sufficient number who held the same view as she, policy would be de facto set. In other words, we once again down the thorny racial identification road which is a subjective and cultural phenomenon. As much as red and vermillion are.
Not reductionistic…
The point of my comments was not to minimize or obscure contemporary social considerations about race. Instead, my observations addressed an “extant gene pool” which is as much a part of our heritage as African and European. The subtext to my comments is that we have been taught through the years that there are no Borikens anymore, not that they may exist to any degree in many of us. As Ms Smit points out, the racial mix is, in many cases, indistinguishable. However, that mix does not negate the active presence of any part of the gene pool. I use the phrase Iberi-Negro Cari-Borican for one of my photographic essays. It means that we are all significantly Iberian, African, Caribbean, and Borikan.
Now, if someone or a group wishes to stress Borikan heritage, especially if they can document its dominance genealogically, it is their right to do so. Is that racist, maybe. As a Black Puerto Rican man, I do not feel obligated to to melt everyone in my culture into one seemless racial grouping, even if that generally appears to be the case. I have known many Puerto Ricans who are entirely Black and others who are entirely White. I’m very comfortable with that.
With respect to pre-Columbian inhabitants of the Caribbean, I’m not sure my supposition that the Caribbean was inhabited by other than Borikan and Arawak peoples needs any defense. In fact, I feel any other supposition would be preposterous. The human race is essentially migratory. We know, for example, that Phoenicians navigated the Caribbean; and some researchers even posit that the monolithic [bemba] monuments in Mexico are of Phoenician origin. If we can reasonably assume, just for a monument, that this was the case, would it be unreasonable to assume that Native Americans of those regions would carry a Phoenician gene pool. The answer is a patent “no.”
Contemporary socio-political considerations do not nullify genuine claims to racial heritage. The very worse that can happen is that groups that pursue these identities bring yet more information to the discussion.
A Caveat: Please refer to yesterday’s news item which presents findings that genome research is unable to make significant distinctions between any racial group. In other words, race does not seem to play that strong a role in the evolution of the Human Race.
RE: Not reductionistic…
Genes don’t carry culture. “Looking” Taino—whatever that may be— {or African or Chinese) or being able to trace one’s biological ancestry to the Amazon (or the Great Zimbabwe or the Great Wall) does not mean that one IS Taino (or South African or Chinese.) Thus, even if such a thing as “a resurgence of [Taino] genes” were feasible, it would remain irrelevant with respect to Taino culture.
Taínos
Lo único que queda de taíno en el pueblo puertorriqueño es lo que queda diluído de ellos en nuestro banco genético y varios rasgos que han dejado en nuestra cultura que van desde la comida hasta palabras taínas que se han incorporado en el español que se habla en Puerto Rico. Sin embargo cada cual puede asumir la identidad que le plazca. Mas aún si, por mínimo que sea se lleva en los genes. Pero para mí la mayoría de la gente que clama ser “taíno”, padecen a mi entender de un complejo de inferioridad, que como bien menciona K Smit los hace preferir ser “indios taínos” antes que aceptar que no se pueden ver a si mismos como Españoles (blancos) Por otro lado tal vez influya el tambien la idea romantizada de una raza extinta. Algo parecido a la idea romantizada que en Estados Unidos a existido del “noble salvaje”, en referencia a los indígenas de lo que hoy conocemos como Estados Unidos. Tambien hay que considerar que hay muchos puertorriqueños criados en E.U. que adoptan los patrones de cultura estadounidense referente al asunto de las razas. Por ejemplo, en E.U. siempre se ha dicho que si un blanco tiene un antepasado, por remoto que sea, que fuera negro, entonces esta persona es considerada negra por el resto de la población blanca. Una especie de blanco “inpuro”. Sin embargo cuando un negro tiene un antepasado blanco, a esta persona se le sigue considerando negro y no blanco. Por supuesto sabemos que esto esta basado en un racismo que pretende “protejer” la pureza racial del blanco. (Algo muy parecido a la forma de pensar de los nazis) De la misma forma es interesante notar que entonces estos boricuas que se autodenominan “taínos” escojen, al no poder identificarse con los blancos de E.U. escojan ser “taínos” antes que escojer ser “africanos”. Como siempre, al negro lo quieren sacar de la carrera. Y no hay duda de que algunos puertorriqueños parecen indígenas. Pero creo que esto es mas bien por la continua unión racial entre blancos y negros que se da en Puerto Rico y no porque, despues de siglos, “resurjan” los genes taínos como si fueran los restos de un barco antiguo que sale a la superficie cuendo baja el nivel en un cuerpo de agua. Lo que pasa es que, como siempre, y me puedo equivocar en este caso en específico, al negro lo quieren sacar de la carrera.
Post Data a taínos
Al café, cuando le hechan leche, ya no es café. Es café con leche.
TAINO EXISTENCE?
YO CREO POR TODO QUE YO AVISTO,QUE..
THAT THE ONLY PRE-EXISTENTIAL TAINO EXISTENCE AMONGST US IS THE “TAINO CEREMONIAL RELIGIOUS SUPERSTITIOUSNESS”,JUDGING BY ALL OF OUR/THE BOTANICA STOREFRONTS IN THE ISLAND,AND WITHIN THE WALKING CULTURAL MILE TO EL MUSEO DEL BARRIO, NEW YORK.
THE TAINO EXISTENCE, STOOD ON A VERY INDIAN SUPERSTITIOUS PLATEAU,PRACTICED BY ALL OF US THIS 21ST CENTURY,DATED BACK TO THE 10TH CENTURY OF EXISTENCE…
RE: TAINO EXISTENCE?
This is really hard to understand. Perhaps, you could re-state what you’ve said in your entry. Botanicas, however, are not Taino but Yoruban, that is–they are really outgrowths of Santeria and Espiritismo. Please correct me if I am wrong.
RE: Not reductionistic…
How about the term:
“CARIBERICAINOS”. Does that work as an inclusive term (CARIBE, IBERIa, afRICANOS, tAINOS). I sure hope so since I am planning to use it in a book title on “Identity and Self Definition” among “colonized” peoples.
RV-R
RE: Not reductionistic…
How about the term:
“CARIBERIKAINOS”. Does that work as an inclusive term (CARIBE, IBERIa, afRIKANOS, tAINOS). I sure hope so since I am planning to use it in a book title on “Identity and Self Definition” among “colonized” peoples.
RV-R
IberiNegro-CariBorican vs. Caribericainos
To Rafael Ventura-Rosa:
When I coined the term IberiNegro-CariBorican for my photographic essay (SEMOS IberiNegro-CariBorican), I was careful to stress the origin of our primary racial groups in the phonetic presentation, viz: Iberi(a), Negro, Caribe, Borican.
In your coinage, I clearly hear & see Caribe, Iberi or Iberi(ca), and of course [T]aino. I do not hear either Africa or Negro.
RE: IberiNegro-CariBorican vs. Caribericainos
LOOK CLOSER. IRONY OF IRONIES, AS WITH OUR OWN DIVERSIFIED CULTURE, IT TAKES A LITTLE MORE DIGGING TO FIND “LO NEGRO” OR “AFRIKANO”, EITHER BECAUSE WE ARE UNAWARE OF IT (DUE TO EDUCATIONAL MALPRACTICE, IGNORANCE, ETC.) OR BEING AWARE OF IT, HAVE CHOSEN TO HIDE IT (Y TU ABUELA DONDE ESTA?) DIG IT, BRO?
PEACE,
RAFAEL
http://www.INDEPENDENCIA.net
For more information about the Vieques
struggle and about Puerto Rico’s
struggle for national independence,
please visit:
http://www.INDPENDENCIA.net
In solidarity,
Hans Perl-Matanzo
Self-identification must be respected
Self-identification has its roots in past history and current politics and must be respected for it.
Haven’t most nations created their own forms of self-identification? What’s all the Greek and Latin stuff we constantly rehash as the fundamental roots of Western Civilization? People want to laugh at the Tainos of Puerto Rico or criticize them as having ulterior racial motives–i.e. undermining the black movement in Puerto Rico, if one can speak in these terms. But prima facie, these men and women should be allowed to express their “nativity” however way they want. It is oppressive to mock them or try to stop them.
no race gene in the human genome
there’s no race gene in the human gene map so many of you will have to find some other way to buttress your views. i’m all for self-definition. the only problem is when conflict arises between what i think or myself and what others see me as being. this is really the issue, ultimately. it’s the clash of perceptions that get played out. whose reality holds up? the one who has the power to impose their view.
This is such a big deal when it really shouldn’t be.. Any real intelligent Puerto Rican knows that he is a mix of Taino, African, and Spanish… With that dosen’t anyone ever think that there are those of us Puerto Ricans who have been raised in one culture more than the other and becuase of that you are going to have those who identify themselves more as being one or the other? Also and this is a real important point I must stress.. did anyone ever think that (like Myself) there are people who know that there are people who celebrate all three cultures and pratice the ways of all three?….Also (like Myself) did anyone ever think that there might be those of us who recognize certain parts of culture and history that is lost or hidden and they want to bring it to the forfront on purpose so that it can get recognition it deserved and not nessesarily because they don’t want to be black or white or indian? I myself celebrate and practice all cultures and idenitify with being all….BORICUAS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A LOVING PEOPLE AND WE SHOULD STAY THAT WAY .. THIS IS WHY BACK IN THE DAY WE WERE CALLED TAINOS THE WORD TAINO MEANS GOOD OR NOBLE SO WE SHOULD UPHOLD THAT AND NOT GET CAUGHT UP IN RACE ETC…BUT LOVE LIVE AND LET LIVE AS PROUD BORICUAS UNITED!!!! WETHER BLACK, SPANISH, INDIAN OR A MIXTURE THERE OF PAZ Y PALANTE MI GENTE~!!!
My mum is half irish half jamacian and my dad is from guyana and is dark black with red skin (must have some indian influence)
my skin is very red my hair is very negro and my nose favours that of a white man
anyway ive been researching phonecians for some reason and looking at pics of them
I recently went to Jamacia and i am sure i saw quite a few people with phonecian features, they definately played a huge role in jamacia
OF COURSE THERE PEOPLE IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC(mostly in the “el cibao” region) WHO HAVE TAINO FEATURE , AND SOME ALSO NOT ONLY LOOK, BUT HAVE PURE BLOOD, THE SAME THING GOES FOR PUERTO RICO. PUERTO RICO HAS MANY TAINO FEATURE AND BLOOD COMPARE TO THE REST OF THE ISLAND, AS YOU CAN SEE IT ON THESE PEOPLE.
SO YEAH
AND ANYBODY WHO BELIEVE THEY ALL DIE, ARE USUALLY WHITE
SPANIARD, WHO GOD SHALL WIPE OUT NOT JUST THEME, BUT ANY F###
WHITE MAN ON EARTH FOR THEIR UNATURAL WAYS, AND EVIL IN THE WORLD.
AND YES THIS IS COMING FROM A TAINO “BROTHA”
LONG LIVE ARE PEOPLE AND “NATIVE AMERICANS”
I am a 53 year old man who lived in Boriken and learned to plant with a coa, to plant according to the moon cycles and to pick plants for medicine with prayer and ritual. Both my grandmothers were biologically over 25% Taino. When I was a five year old boy we would stand pointing to the sky when we saw a plane , because seeing one fly over you was not an everyday thing. I was lucky to spend time with my great grandmother who was a young girl when the Spanish still ruled Boriken. She taught me that we were part indian on both sides of the family and while we had European and African Forefathers, she taught me we were of our mother’s people. She taught me how to santiguar to become a curandero by the age of 12. I have never denied my Spanish or African componants, but I am Taino not only by blood but also by culture. Just because it may not have been part of another’s reality does not mean it does not exist. We were taught to have a relationship with the land that is difficult to explain. Every tree,rock and river has a spirit and is alive. The trees mourn for us when we die and sing for us when we are born. This is the religion I was raised with. I learned it on the lap of my grand mothers. I have studied the religions of my fore fathers out of respect for them. In doing so I have learned how many things are the same and how some are very different. Some very core beliefs my ancestors gave me will never be accepted in Spain or in Nigeria. In fact my Spanish and Nigerian friends celebrate my indigenous roots so why shouldn’t I? How do I take away from the Orisha or from the noble people of Africa by identifying with the culture of my maternal line? In most major religions you will be told that the consecrated soul does not choose the spirit. It is the Spirit that chooses you. Many people in the Taino movement have been choosen by the spirit of their ancestors to ensure that their contributions are not forgotten. Just 15 years ago we were told that when the DNA test would come out, we in the movement would look foolish because we were sure not to have any Indian background. Well the test were done and 62% of Boricua have Taino roots. So why the attacks ? We are not taking anything from anybody. The American , Spanish and African cultures are celebrated widely in Puerto Rico. Let us celebrate our Native connections. The same people who say there is no Taino culture left will turn around and call us quacks when we share our spirituality. We continue to follow the example of our ancestors, we seek no converts nor do we take without giving back. If you can not help us do not attack us.
In Peace
Jan Jan Katu ( yes it is so)
I surely believe that those that oppose a positive thing are lonely and seeking attention,they will never accept the beauty of the puerto rican culture,no matter how many articles are written.Bottom line is if you can feel the music then you will dance,IF YOU DON’T,THEN YOU JUST DON’T.As puerto ricans some like one song better than the other,in some cases.All in all accept who you are,I’D rather people hate me for who I am,than love me for whom I’m not.I’m proud to be puerto rican,EQUA HEY!!!
I believe that puertorican people do have genetic and phisical characteristics of tainos these is because I have seen people with who are really near to a complete taino apearence. Maybe not everyone has as much characteristics as the other but they do have it even if they don’t want to acept it. All puertorican people have indian, spanish and african gens and they have to be concern about it. We are the less apropiade persons to discriminate. No one has the right to discriminate but we are the less that can do these type of things. People we are Indians, Africans and Spanish we have to be proud of it not everyone has three different racial kinds. Because of these we have to support our people. You can’t say you are just one racial type because you are not. I am 14 years old and I Know and acept who I am. Horey for Puerto Rico
i like all your comments fo realz. because im black and puertoriquena tambien.. and i have pride for both side of me. i say the mixer the better..
Yo naci en P.R. pero me crie en E.U., pase mi infancia en un ciudad muy grande del este. No se como pero yo sabia que mi habia mas de lo que se vea. Un dia de visita en la isla, en casa de mi abuela ,que descance en paz! ella me dijo lo que de alguna forma yo ya sabia pero la gente me ridiculisaba. Que yo era parte taino y que no debia sentirme abergonsado por ello. El punto que traigo es que eso se siente por dentro desde el dia que se nace, eso es parte de ser boricua. Taino ti que el gran espiritu los bendiga!
La Liga Guakia Taina-ke, da un paso adelante en la creación del primer Registro Taino de Boriken. Puedes bajar nuestro Formulario interactivo del Registro o entrar al siguiente sitio
http://www.formspring.com/forms/?21604-Qj4dzoJH0n. Llene el formulario y al terminar la encuesta, oprima el botón que indica “Submit Form”.
Te invitamos a que formes parte de La Liga Guakia Taína-ke en tu urbanización, barrio o comunidad. La Liga unificara nuestras voces para conservar la herencia natural y cultural de Boriken para las futuras generaciones.
PROXIMAS ACTIVIDADES
MAYO 11 (9am-4:00pm) Centro de Estudios Avanzados de PR y el Caribe
TEMA: RECONSTRUCCION DEL LEGUAJE TAINO
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TEMA: SOBREVIVENCIA TAINA EN BORIKEN
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