Caribs

The Caribs were indigenous peoples of the Lesser Antilles and parts of the northern coast of South America. Their name is the origin of the term "Caribbean Sea." Historical accounts, primarily from European colonizers, describe them as fierce warriors who engaged in frequent raids against neighboring tribes, particularly the Taíno people of the Greater Antilles. This perception, however, is complex and influenced by European biases and the desire to justify conquest.

Linguistic evidence suggests the Carib language was distinct from the Arawakan languages spoken by the Taíno, though there was likely some linguistic exchange. Their society was organized into chiefdoms, and their economy was based on agriculture, fishing, and hunting. They were known for their skilled craftsmanship, particularly in pottery and weaving.

Following European arrival in the late 15th century, the Carib populations were decimated by disease, warfare, and enslavement. While many groups were annihilated or assimilated, some descendants of the Carib people continue to live in the Caribbean today, particularly on islands like Dominica and Saint Vincent, and in mainland South America. Their cultural heritage and identity are subjects of ongoing research and preservation efforts.