Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate

CARIBBEAN HISTORY
SCHOOL BASED ASSESSMENT (S.B.A)
(YEAR 2016)

CANDIDATE NAME: ASHLEY HUTTON - LINDO

SCHOOL: Willowdene Group of Schools
CENTER #:100159
CANDIDATE #:1001590241
TEACHER: Ms. S. Mitchell
TERRITORY: JAMAICA
PROFICIENCY: GENERAL

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
There are a number of individuals to whom the researcher would like to extend her
gratitude either for their direct hand of assistance in completing this research, or for their
support.
First and foremost the researcher would like to thank God for His guidance as she sought
information for this research, and for the resources He made available for her to finish this
assignment. Secondly, she wants to express her gratitude to her History teacher, Miss Mitchell
who also guided her along whilst she did her research.
Finally, the researcher wants to thank her family for its support, especially her mother and
grandmother, who helped her to source information, as well as record sources to finalize this
research.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title

Page Number

Focus Question.. 1
Rationale ........... 2
Introduction ... 3
Economic Organization ..............4
Architecture........................................................................................................................ 5
Science and Technology..................................................................................................... 6
Socio-Political Organization (Governance) ...................................................................... 7
Conclusion 8
Bibliography... 9
Appendix ...10

Focus Question:

Theme: The Indigenous People and the Europeans

To what extent were the Maya more advanced than the Taino and the Kalinagos in the PreColumbus era?

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Rationale
During the period before Columbus arrival, three significant groups of indigenous people
inhabited the Caribbean, namely, the Mayans, the Tainos and the Kalinagos. The Mayans were
considered advanced in the areas of Economic Organization, Architecture, Technology and
Science, and Socio-Political Organization (governance). However, the Tainos and the Kalinagos
were said to be simpler and their achievements had not been celebrated as those of the Mayans.
Based on this background, the researcher has decided to investigate the extent to which the
Mayans were more advanced than the Tainos and the Kalinagos. It is also intended to increase
the readers appreciation for the achievements of the indigenous people before the arrival of the
Europeans.

Introduction

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The Americas and the Caribbean were occupied before the arrival of Europeans. Among
the inhabitants were the Mayans, the Tainos and the Kalinagos. The Mayans occupied Central
America and they were the first Americans to develop a high level of culture, which gained
prominence since 250 AD. They practiced agriculture, built stone buildings, worked with
precious stones, and developed complex social and political organizations. Beckford &Shepherd
(2004) & Greenwood, R. (1991).
Centuries later the Tainos came from North, Central and South America to the Caribbean
through Orinoco,arriving first in the Lesser Antilles.

They were, however, expelled by

Kalinagos, who followed the same route to the Caribbean. The Tainos continued to the Greater
Antilles where they settled. The Kalinagos occupied the Lesser Antilles but continued to be in
conflict with the Tainos throughout the Caribbean. (Beckles and Shepherd, 2004).
The Mayans being a settled people for a much longer period was the most advanced of
the three civilizations as seen through their economic, architecture

and socio-political

organization, and also science and technology. Throughout this research paper, the author will
provide insights on how the Mayans were more advanced than the Tainos and Kalinagos by
comparing their economic and socio-political organizations, and also science and technology.

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Economic Organization
Agriculture was very important to the economy of all three groups of indigenous people.
The Mayans practiced surplus farming which provided more than enough for their people and
still had more to trade for other goods. They cultivated a number of crops with maize being
dominant (Beckles &Shepherd, 2004). They also hunted and practiced animal husbandry to
enrich their diet (see Table 1). They mined for mineral deposits which were used in construction
and crafts. Among the items mined were obsidian, jade, gold and flint stone (Honychurch, 1979)
The Mayans had a huge market economy. The surplus from crops, and a wide range of
goods provided opportunity for trading between Mayans states and other countries (Grandreams,
2004). In similar fashion, the Tainos and Kalinagos economies were dependent on agriculture,
hunting and fishing. They, however, were subsistent farmers; that is, producing sufficient just for
their immediate use. (Baldeosingh & Mahase, 2011). The dominant crop was cassava which was
used in their diet in a variety of ways. Hunting and fishing supplied protein for the diet of the
Caribbean Amerindians (Beckles and Shepherd, 2004).

Some Taino groups traded on a small

scale, with each other and people on the mainland in cotton, textiles, tools, weapons, tobacco and
foodstuff.

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Architecture
Regarding the Mayans architecture, it was very advanced. The nobles palaces, the
temples and pyramids were built with distinct architectural styles. The temples and pyramids
were made of cut stones, limestone blocks, rubbles and cement, and they were usually decorated
with complex carvings and strengthened by corbel vault and arches with sides that extend and
meet at the top (Baldeosingh & Mahase, 2011). In contrast, the architectures of the Tainos and
Kalinagos, were represented only by their houses which were similarly constructed. They were
made of wooden posts for the upright, thatched roofs, earthen floor and plaited reeds for the
walls and differentiated by their shapes. For the Tainos, the commoners house were round, the
chiefs rectangular and oblong for the Kalinagos (Claypole & Robottom 2011).

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Science and Technology

The Mayans developed systems of mathematics, astronomy and writing. Their
mathematics were said to be sophisticated as they used the concept of zero and place value. They
invented calendars which were described as being more appropriate than those found in western
civilization. They could record anniversaries of disasters and predict when they could happen
again. Claypole & Robottom, (2001) & Honychurch, L. (1979).
In astronomy, the Mayans accurately calculated the solar year. They wrote in symbols called
glyphs which appeared on their monuments. They also wrote on paper and produced books.
Baldeosingh & Mahase ( 2011). Neither the Tainos nor the Kalinagos, however, were skilled in
these disciplines. They were oral cultures who recorded and taught their history through storytelling, singing and dancing. Honychurch (1979), and they could not count beyond the number
three. Claypole, & Robottom (2001)

(Socio-political Organization (Governance)

According to Beckles and Shepherd (2004), the Mayan society was rigidly divided
between nobles, commoners and slaves. Nobles status and occupations were hereditary; that is,
from father to son. The nobles served in positions such as rulers, bureaucrats, but the whole
social system rested on the commoners and slaves. The political system was sophisticated,
complex and reminiscent of modern state bureaucracy. Each city-state was governed by a king

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who was the supreme ruler. He had a council who advised him and he was responsible for the
daily political management of the state.
The city-state was divided into towns and villages and was governed by officials
appointed by the king. They were supported by advisers and staff including peace keepers or
police. There was also a large army which supported the political management and defended the
state. The leaders were from the nobility but the rank and file was conscripted from the
peasantry. There were priests whose duties included determining the dates for festivals and
ceremonies and to predict auspicious events. The political order was devised as a system of
control. This included methods of getting revenue for the government and ways of maintaining
respect for laws and decisions and for the regulation of trade. Beckles & Shepherd (2004)
The Taino society, like the Mayans, was divided into classes of nobles, commoners and
slaves. The chief, called cacique and his family were regarded as the upper class. The position of
cacique was passed from father to son.
However, the Tainos political organization was simple and undeveloped in contrast to the
Mayans. The government was limited to the cacique, and sub-chiefs who supervised the
districts and act as council to the cacique when he was negotiating a new treaty. In addition, the
political power of the cacique was different from that of the Mayan king in that, the cacique,
according to Beckles and Shepherd (2004) was more like a community leader who had
considerable social status and cultural authority but limited political power and no military
leadership. Some of the duties reflecting the caciques authority, included: organizing the
production of food for the people, negotiating peace within and between villages and presiding
over ceremonial activities.
Baldeosingh & Mahase (2011) stated that the Kalinago society was the least
hierarchical. Everyone enjoyed the same status. The Kalinagos governed by a chief called the
Obutu, and he was chosen based on his military prowess (Honychurch, 1979). Unlike the Mayan

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king, the Obutu had very little authority but ruled by consensus. He, however, gained obedience
during a raid as this was necessary for an effective fighting unit. To continue as chief he had to
constantly prove his bravery in successive raids. In contrast to the Mayan government the
Kalinagos chief sole responsibility for the economic, political, and military leadership,
particularly raids on Taino settlements. The most important was the military leadership, the civic
aspects of government was secondary. Beckles and Shepherd (2004)
Conclusion
The Maya were significantly more advanced than the Tainos and Kalinagos in the preColumbian era in the areas of economic organization, architecture, socio-political organization,
and science and technology. That was because they were a settled people, that is, they remained
in the same place and this had been so long before the Taino and the Kalinago came to the
Caribbean. Second, they learned to dominate the environment in all major aspects of
development.
Conversely the Taino and in particular the Kalinago were not sufficiently settled to experience
the kind of development as the Mayans enjoyed. The ongoing conflict between the Tainos and
the Kalinagos was one source of threat to the Tainos development. Beckles & Shepherd(2004)
stated that the Kalinagos, up to and after the arrival of the Europeans arrived were still coming to
the Caribbean so did not have sufficient time to establish themselves. .
Being settled is central to development. Honychurch (1979) & Beckles &Shepherd (2004)
intimated that people are settled....make and obey laws practice surplus agriculture and other
material goods will be more prosperous developed than those who lead a restless life.

Bibliography
Honychurch, L. (1979). The Caribbean People Book One Nelson Caribbean Great Britain.
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Grandreams (2004) Step Into The World Of Ancient Middle America Q2A Design Studio. India.
Same
Claypole, W. & Robottom, J. (2001) Caribbean Story Book 1 3rd Edition Longman. Malaysia.
Beckles, H. Shepherd, V (2004). Liberties Lost: The Indigenous Caribbean and Slave Systems.
Cambridge University Press Cambridge. U.K.
Baldeosingh, K. Mahase, R. (2011). Caribbean History For CSEC Oxford University Press.
Great Britain.
Greenwood, R. (1991). A Sketchmap History of the Caribbean MacMillan Caribbean. Hong
Kong.
Primary Source (s)
Institute of Jamaica

Appendix 1: Maya social structure

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Mayan Social Pyramid

Taino Social Pyramid

Obutu

Population

The Kalinago Social Pyramid

Appendix 11: Pottery product of the Tainos, Mayas and the Kalinago

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Taino Pottery (Institute of Jamaica)

Mayan Pottery

Kalinago Pottery

Appendix III: Houses and other structures erected by the Tainos, Mayas and Kalinago

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Kalinago House

This is where the Kalinago men go to have war strategies and

to discuss the business of the settlement.

Appendix III: Houses and other structures erected by the Tainos, Mayas and Kalinago
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Halach Unic

Nobles House

Serf/Commoner House

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The Taino house (bohio to the left and Caneye to the right).

Appendix 1V: Implements of war including a spear/athal and bow and arrow

Atlal (Mayan)

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Bow and Arrow (Kalinago)

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Maps

Map Showing Main Sites of Maya

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Map Showing Distribution of Tainos (Institute of Jamaica)

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Economic
Organization
Agriculture

Maya

Main Crop
Other Crops

Maize
-

House Garden

Surplus
Various
methods

Beans
Squash
Pumpkins
Chili Peppers
Sweet Potato
Sweet
Cassava
- Paw Paws
- Avocado
Pears
Fruit Trees

Animal Husbandry
Domesticate

Hunting

Gathering
Trade

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Cotton
Cocoa Bean
Salt

Taino

Kalinago

Subsistent/ Cunoco

Subsistent
Conuco

Cassava
- Sweet Potato
- Yam
- Tania
- Peanuts
- Peppers
- Beans

Cassava
- Sweet Potato
- Arrowroot
- Yams
- Beans
- Sugar
- Plantains

Fruit trees such as :

- Guava
- Hog Plum
- Sweet Sop
- Sour sop
- Mammee Apples
- Cashew
- Pawpaw
- Pineapples
- Domesticated
Animals
- Barkless Dogs
- Pigeons
- Doves
- Parrots
- Wide Range wild
animals
- Birds
- Reptiles
- Rabbit
- Conies
- Pigeon
- Snakes
- Snails
- Shellfish
- Turtle eggs
- Cloth
-

Guava
Pawpaw
Pineapples

Domesticated Animals :
- Muskovy
- Duck

Agouit
Lizard
Crubs

Craft

Mining

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Gold

Cotton cloth
Feather
Costumes
Basketry
Rope-Making
Pottery
Painting on
Clay
Axes

Pottery in the
shape of animals
Basket weaving
Canoe making

Social Organization
Head and Position

Maya
- The Head
Halach Unic
- Position
hereditary

Taino
- Head Cacique
- Position
hereditary,
Father to Son

Type of Society

Society rigidly divided

Somewhat rigidly
divided
Nobles and Cacique
lived among people in
houses (size and
shape different)

Nobles

Commoners

Commoners and
nobles

Commoners Home

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Nobles were
wealthy
Literate and
lived in central
Arenas

Uneducated,
Poor
Live in forest
Cleaning
Extended
family

No one gets
formal
education
- All lived in a
cluster(extend
ed family)
- History, Sing
and dance.
Co,mmoner pay Cacique:
- No demand
2/3 tax crops
Other efforts
for tribute but
given best of
the farm, fish
and hunt
Commoners
After work time, for
leisure
worked on
temple and
pyramid
Alter work
Building work

Kalinago
- Leader Obutu
- Head of
Largest
families or
military
prowess
(killed
warriors
especially
Cacique
Not rigidly divided
-

Live among
people
- Male and
adolescent
male share
larger
buildings
- Woman and
young children
occupy
smaller house.
- No one got
formal
education
- All lived in a
cluster(extend
ed family)
- History, Sing
and dance.
All communally
owned

War games or
training
Leisure

Military Service
Figure 2

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Commoners
conscripted in time of
war

All put an effort when

raided by Kalinagos

All warriors fight on

ready.

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Political Organization
How

Duties

Maya
- Leader of
State both a
high priest and
great Lord
Uinich
- Power over
city
- Council and
officials
The Hulach Unic all
officials were
inherited positions.
- Civil
- Military
- Religious

Laws

Gender Roles
Figure 3

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Women did not

participate in
Government matters.

Taino
- Chief Priest
- Cacique
- Subchiefs /
Headman
- Nitanoys

Kalinago
Obutu chief
commander in time of
war

Position was
Hereditary

Elected, killed many

enemies or a Cacique.

Organises the:
- Hunting
- Farming
- Fishing
- Storage and
distribution of
food.
- Negotiate for
peace
- Murder could
be forgiven
- Stealing is
punishable by
death
- Stealing and
greed is
forbidden
- Important to
work for good
of community
Women could be
Cacique

Train men for war.

Political Structure of the Mayan

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