The Indigenous Peoples of the Caribbean: The Caribs

Carib is a term used to describe the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean. The word "Carib" is derived from the name of the island of Karukera, which was the original name given to the island of Trinidad by the indigenous people who lived there. The Caribs were a diverse group of peoples who spoke related languages and shared cultural practices, but they did not form a single, unified nation. Instead, they were made up of many different tribes and communities, each with their own distinct traditions and ways of life.

The Caribs were skilled hunters and gatherers, and they lived in small villages or hamlets. They were known for their expertise in fishing and their ability to make canoes and other watercraft. They also had a rich spiritual tradition, with a complex belief system that included a belief in spirits and the power of magic.

The arrival of European colonizers in the Caribbean had a devastating impact on the Caribs. Many were killed by diseases brought over by the Europeans, such as smallpox and influenza. Others were forced to work in plantations or were enslaved. As a result, the Carib population declined dramatically, and many of their traditional ways of life were lost. Today, there are only a few thousand Caribs living in Trinidad and Tobago, and they continue to struggle to preserve their culture and traditions.