Carib Civilization - The...
Rolf Hedger
The Carib civilization, known for their resilience and military prowess, was one of the dominant forces in the Caribbean before and during the early phases of European colonization. The Caribs, who were part of the larger Arawakan language family, developed a distinct culture that set them apart from other indigenous groups in the region. Their territory spanned many of the islands in the Lesser Antilles, with notable populations in Dominica, Saint Vincent, and Grenada. While they were widely recognized for their fierce resistance against European colonizers, their rich history and cultural achievements also played a significant role in shaping the Caribbean.
The early origins of the Caribs are a subject of ongoing research, but they are believed to have migrated from South America, possibly from the Orinoco River Basin in present-day Venezuela. Over time, they settled in various parts of the Caribbean, with their most prominent presence being on the islands of the Lesser Antilles. The Caribs are often distinguished from their neighbors, the Arawaks, due to their more aggressive and militaristic nature, a characteristic that would become critical in their dealings with the European powers who arrived on their shores.
Carib society was organized around a hierarchical structure with a chief, or ouin (sometimes known as karifuna), at the top, followed by warriors, farmers, and fishermen. Despite their reputation as fierce fighters, the Caribs were also skilled agriculturalists and fishermen. Their diet was rich in cassava, corn, fruits, and fish, which they caught using canoes made from hollowed trees. The Caribs' ability to navigate the seas using their advanced knowledge of the stars and ocean currents made them formidable maritime traders and warriors. They built large, ocean-going canoes capable of carrying multiple warriors, enabling them to wage successful raids across the Caribbean islands.
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