THE MEANING OF THE NAME

• The name Arawak means peace maker.

Where did they exist? Arawak peoples migrated from South America through greater Antilles of the Caribbean to the Bahamas in the Atlantic.

MOST POWERFUL AGE? In 1492 Christopher Columbus discover them and that's when they because known about, but they did live before then.

Economy or agriculture. They grew crops in concurs which were large mounds used as planting beds. They packed these mounds with leaves when planting. Women did all of this.

ARCHITECTURE. Style: circular buildings with poles providing primary support. The houses looked like tepees. Arawak developed the hammock.

RELIGION. description: they were polytheists. Their god was called Zemi. They asked Zemi for advice on everything. Danced before any meal especially at festivals. Had to dress certain ways for ceremonies.carved figures of Zemi.

GOVERNMENT The political structures of the Arawak is very obscure. There is generally 5-7 kingdoms each with their own leader or "king". They called their leader cacique.

CALENDAR The Arawak they used the lunar calendar which goes by the cycles of the lunar phases.

ART WORK The women did ALL the craft work. They usually only crafted things they need like pottery, baskets, and clothing.

INTERESTING FACTS

• they functioned as an agricultural society
• They were forced to vomit using the "choke stick" to clines body.
• Their name isn't actually Arawak
• They always lived close to the sea
• They were known as very happy people!

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