the indigenous people of the Dominican Republic are Tainos...Colombus called them Arawak. There are internet websites concerning the Tainos, and some illustrated books in public libraries. The most famous drawing is the one of Columbus encountering the Tainos on the beach. The Tainos no longer exist as a sovereign nation, but there are people with Taino features still living, who still know much of the indigenous folk ways. The Smithsonian Institute has information on the Dominican Tainos, and some videos. They are a beautiful people with a beautiful culture. In a way it is better if they remain tucked away and invisible, removed from tourist areas.
