This lavishly illustrated book is comprised of a series of essays written by some of the most highly respected scholars working in the field of Taino studies. The book concentrates on personal artistic expression to illustrate various aspects of our ancestral life ways. Beginning with an overview of the general aspects of Pre-Columbian Caribbean history, it proceeds smoothly into a detailed study, through art, of our People.
Each essay focuses intently on its particular subject matter and expands greatly on previously known material. While reading the book, I sensed what seemed to me to be an increased sensitivity towards our People and the Spirituality which permeated every aspect of our life ways. To me, every essay seems to be written with respect, not only towards the medicine objects which are depicted throughout the book, but also to our ancestors and to us, their living descendents.
Throughout the book, newly recognized truths about the way our ancestors conceptualized our universe, through their art, is included and detailed. For the artist, sharp, clear photographs and detailed line drawings are an excellent resource to fttther their own work. Historically, the text provides a thorough, inAepth study that should be considered one of the most accurate to date.
In my opimon, those who seek some insight into the Spiritualty of the works created by our Grandmothers and Grandfathers, this volume can be considered a revelation because it would appear that the scholars actually took the time to ask some of us the right questions and they listened! Of course there are some flaws. The jacket liner of the hook speaks of our [Taino] disappearance, the use of the word Zemi instead of Cemi, and statements concerning our sacred Cohoba Ceremony using phrases like "hallucinogenic drug trances" - make it clear that there is still some educating to be accomplished in regards to the academic world.
This book has something for everyone; historians, artists, the casual readers, and the self-professed know-it-alls alike. It is concise and easy to read, that it is not an archeological or anthropological treatise in any sense of the word. Taken as a whole, the Taino community should be proud that at last a more accurate portrayal of our ancestors and their life way finally made it to print. Throwing away the comment in the jacket liner, the authors of the essavs do not mention even once the words extermination or extinction. Indeed Professor Jose Juan Arrom states:
"Elsewhere I have shown that the Tainos were not exterminated. There were survivors of the great decimation.. and after contact these survivors transmitted not oniy their genes, but also the principal achievements of their culture."
I recommend this book to all.
Melanio Gonzalez Xeti Aon Coyabey, is
an artist and historian,
and the Co-Director of UCTP
member organization CACIBAJAGUA.
He currently resides in
Meridan, CT. with his wife and children.