Part 2/17:
When Christopher Columbus arrived on the island of Hispaniola in 1492, he encountered a sophisticated society called the Taínos. These indigenous peoples had developed complex social structures, advanced agricultural practices, and rich spiritual traditions. The Taínos called their land ithi or Kiskeya, meaning "mother of all lands," highlighting their cultural reverence for their homeland. Their society was organized hierarchically, with chiefs known as caciques leading groups in a network of provinces. They cultivated crops such as maize, manioc, beans, and sweet potatoes, and relied on fishing, hunting, and gathering to sustain their communities. Artisans created pottery, textiles, jewelry, and wood and stone sculptures, reflecting a vibrant material culture. Their spiritual beliefs involved a pantheon of gods and spirits tied to natural elements like the sun, moon, and ocean, with rituals and ceremonies central to their religious life. Music and dance, involving instruments like flutes, drums, and maracas, played vital roles in their cultural and spiritual expressions.