A Taino Kanei (Caney)

Did you know - The traditional home of a Taino tribal leader or Kasike is called a kanei (caney); pronounced kah-nehEE. This dwelling was usually a central focal point in the community and faced the iukaieke (village) ceremonial and social grounds called “batei (batey)”. Besides being a residence for the village kasike (chieftain) and family, a kanei was sometimes used a ceremonial gathering place for community leaders including spiritual leaders. Like a typical dwelling called “bohio”, a kanei was traditionally made from local hardwood trees and was usually thatched with the Royal Palm. Unlike a bohio, which was often round, a kanei was typically rectangular, had a gabled roof, and a type of porch. - UCTP Taino News © 2007