DNA and Taino People

DID YOU KNOW - DNA science affirms that a majority of Puerto Ricans can trace their American Indian linage via their maternal lines. In 2000, a DNA study was conducted revealing a 69.6% frequency of American Indian mtDNA (mitochondrial DNA) among a sample of individuals who claimed an indigenous maternal ancestor. In 2005, the study was again conducted using a broader sample set of 800 random individuals taken from throughout the island. This study concluded that approximately that 61.3% of Puerto Ricans have an American Indian maternal ancestry. Similar studies have been conducted in the Dominican Republic and in Cuba.  - UCTP Taino News © 2012

MAISI

Did You Know – The Taino word for corn is maisi or mais (maiz), which is the origin of the word “maize”. While not as important as yuka (manioc/cassava), it was a significant food source found throughout the Caribbean islands in several varieties. Traditionally, corn was eaten, roasted, off the cob as well as ground into meal. According to Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo y Valdés, it seems that cornbread was not as favored as it molded faster than bread made from yuka. Some chroniclers stated that Taino drank a fermented corn beverage called chicha as well as a fermented yuka beverage called uiku.  A traditional Taino form of boiled corn dumpling called guanime is still made today in various forms. – UCTP Taino News © 2012

Boriken’s 1777 Census

Did You Know – Puerto Rican Historian Salvador Brau noted that a census taken in Boriken (Puerto Rico), in the year 1777, estimated a population of 1,756 “pure Indians” in the area known as “Las Indieras (Indian Lands)”. Today, it is generally agreed that this area encompasses the contemporary municipality of Maricao and surrounding areas. Maricao is still known as the "Pueblo de las Indieras (Town of Indian Settlements)" – UCTP Taino News © 2012

ANAMU

Did You Know - Anamu is the Taino name for a tropical plant (Petiveria allliacea) found throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, and Florida. The leaves of the Anamu plant can be used fresh or dried and made into an herbal tea, or they can be chewed.  Anamu produces a strongly pungent leaf and root; it is known for its distinct garlic-like smell. Throughout the Caribbean and beyond Anamu is used as a natural remedy for many physical ills and certain medical conditions including arthritis, skin conditions, intestinal gas, sinus problems, pain, and even cancer. Local oral traditions claim that Anamu has the ability to ward off bats, insects, and mischievous Spirits.  – UCTP Taino News © 2012

*Disclaimer: Any reference to medicinal use is not intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. Please check with your doctor or health care professional before using.

Meals Among the Taino

Did You Know - During first contact with Europeans, many Taino communities generally observed four meals a day including breakfast, an afternoon meal, an evening meal, and a night meal. Spanish chronicler, Bartolome De Las Casas noted that between the evening and night meal, some Taino took an emetic, and went to a nearby river to purge themselves. Following this they would devote their attention to the nightly meal as well as to dancing and refreshments. Christopher Columbus remarked on how Kasike (Chief) Guakanagari and his people washed their hands with certain herbs after they shared a meal together. - UCTP Taino News © 2012   

*Illustration by Modesto Garcia.

World Water Day 2012

DID YOU KNOW - Water = Atl (Nahua), Ba’am (Yaqui), Ba’huí ,(Rarámuri), Hitya (Né Cha’ cñâ), Intáwi (Matlatzinca), Itsi (P’urépecha), Ja’ (Kiliwa), Nandá (Mazateco), Neppi (Kikapú)(Kikaapoa), Niza (Zapoteco), Sudagi (O’odham), Xkán (Hamaispini), Ama (Cherokee), Ko (Mapuche), Kuuyi (Hopi), Kóh (Jicarilla Apache), Tú (Navajo), Tuu (Atna), Tó (Carrier), Chuu (Gwich’in), To (Hoopa), Tutlxut (Tolowa), Mni (Lakota), Miri (Hidatsa), Bili (Crow), Ni (Osage), Nin (Ioway, Otoe and Missouri), Nippee (Shawnee), Sukquohana( Powhatan), Nebi (Abenaki), Nupi (Mohegan), Mbi (Delaware), Aohkíí (Blackfoot), Mahpe (Cheyenne), Nipiy (Cree), Nibi (Ojibway), Baa’(Shoshone), Oka (Choctaw), Ohneka (Mohawk), Gántl ( Haida), Hin (Tlingit), Tstoóxo (Sanish), Kiítsu' (Pawnee), Oni (Lokono), Ni (Taino)... UCTP Taino News 2012