ABSTRACT
Among the peoples who inhabited the Antilles prior to the discovery of America, the Tainos of the island of Hispaniola achieved the highest level of development. The Tainos, meanwhile, had become farmers without losing their fishing and hunting skills, thus holding on to the cultural traits which had proven useful in adapting to the environment of the Antilles. Despite the large number of inhabitants on the island at the time of the Spaniards' arrival, there was still an abundance of small rodents such as jutia and guinea pigs, whose meat was prized by the Tainos. All ceramic and woven goods were made without the benefit of a wheel or loom, as these tools were unknown to the Tainos. Most of the Tainos were monogamous, although polygyny was common among caciques and other leaders. The Tainos' artistic and religious imagination is best captured in their stone and ceramic work.
