Duho (dujo)

Did You Know - The duho (dujo) is a Taino ceremonial stool or bench that can be made from stone or wood. Traditionally, a duho was usually reserved for community leaders or visiting dignitaries. The duho could be adorned with gold and conch-shell inlay as well as carved with intricate, geometric spiritual motifs. Similar stools are made by the Lokono Arawak, relatives of the Taino, however, they call their benches hala. - UCTP Taino News (c) 2012

Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Center

Did You Know -  The Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Center (Centro Ceremonial Indígena de Tibes) is currently considered by archeologists to be the oldest indigenous ceremony center in Boriken (Puerto Rico).  It represents a continuous habitation of indigenous peoples more than 1,000 years before Columbus encountered the New World. Within its designated 40 acres of this park owned by the Autonomous Municipality of Ponce, one of the largest burial grounds was also “discovered”. Arql. Luis Á. Rodríguez Gracia cites the earliest inhabitants as Igneri with preceding populations as “pre-Taino” and finally Taíno.   The site consists of “nine ball courts and three ceremonial plazas” as well as a Museum, garden, and several “recreated pre-Columbian homes”. Rodríguez Gracia believes it to be the oldest astronomical observatory in the Antilles. – UCTP Taino News © 2012

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

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