Appearance and

Political
Organization of the
Kalinagos
 Definition of Terms

—  Carbet: A house where the men of the society met to

keep meetings.

—  Boyez: A Kalinago priest.

 Appearance of the Kalinagos

The Kalinagos were of dark complexion with long straight

black hair; and they were short and sturdy built. As such,
the were taller and stronger than the Tainos. Apart from
that, the Kalinagos were more decorative than the Tainos
as they wore chains and pierced different sections of their
bodies.
KALINAGO WARRIOR
 Appearance of the Kalinagos

The Kalinagos had scars on their faces made by agouti teeth

as well as white rings painted around their eyes. They also
flattened the heads of their children.
Many indigenous
Caribbean and Central
American cultures felt
that this was a mark of
beauty.
Political Organization of the Kalinagos

Political Structure of the Kalinagos

Ouboutou

Tiubutuli

Boyez
 Political Organization of the Kalinagos

Ouboutou:
—  The leader of the society. He was elected on the basis
of his great strength and skill in battle.
—  He was referred to as the Great Captain.
 Political Organization of the Kalinagos

Ouboutou’s Duties:
—  Held council meetings in the Carbet.
—  Decide when to raid or attack
—  Lead victory celebrations
Constructing a war canoe. These could carry about 10 warriors each.
 Political Organization of the Kalinagos

Tibutuli: they were lesser governors

Tibutuli’s Duty: ruled in the time of peace

Boyez: they were priests

Boyez’s Duties:
—  Performed religious activities
—  Trained boys to become priest
—  Cared for the gods
 Political Organization of the Kalinagos

Patriarchal Society of the Kalinago

—  Men are the head of the household
—  Men held all the leadership positions
—  Men lived in separate household
—  Men owned all property
—  Women were seen as inferior
N.B.: A Patriarchal Society is one in which the society is
controlled by men.
 Political Organization of the Kalinagos

Ways in which the Kalinago society could be viewed as

warlike:
—  The Kalinagos’ society was organized to defend and
conquer.
—  A warrior leader was chosen based on skill in battle.
—  The boys left their mothers from the age of four to be
trained as warriors.
 Political Organization of the Kalinagos

—  Boys were trained to become warriors; and a painful

initiation ceremony was conducted.
—  During and after war with the Tainos, the Kalinagos
would capture the women and make them slaves.
—  Those who were injured in battle were honoured.