Anacaona, is the leader I most revere as a symbol of my heritage and today I choose to celebrate HER! (you know instead of the scoundrel miscreant who led the rape & demise of the Taino people). Anacoana was a Taino Chief in Quisqueya (Now Haiti/Dominican Republic) & was in her 20's during the time of Colombus' arrival. Known to be incredibly wise, beautiful & beloved by her people-she was a poet and a composer of beautiful music and areitos. Anacaonas husband Caonabo and her brother Bohecchio were two of the five highest Taino Caciques who ruled the island of Quisqueya. Initially Taino leaders were friendly with Columbus and his entourage when they first traveled to Xaragua in 1496 the relationship soured as Columbus used the Tainos peaceful nature and goodwill to begin enslaving and taking anything they wanted from the Taino. Once the revolt began, Caonabo was captured and sent on a ship to Spain as slaves - only to die on the way as the ship sank. In an attempt to broker a peaceful treaty, in accordance to her beliefs, Anacaona held an event for the Spanish Governor Nicolás de Ovando, instead, Anacaona was captured and Ovando ordered the meeting house with the 80 Taino Chiefs to be set on fire to burn them alive. Cacica Anacaona was accused of conspiracy for resisting occupation and sentenced to execution in Santo Domingo. Prior to her execution, Anacaona was offered clemency if she would give herself as concubine to one of the Spaniards. Standing with her fellow Taínos in solidarity, the Caribbean indigenous female leader chose execution over colluding with her Spanish enemy, her refusal cementing her legend. Anacaona remained rebellious and independent until her violent public death by hanging at 29. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ “It is not honorable to kill; nor can honor propitiate tragedy. Let us open a bridge of love, so that across it even our enemies may walk and leave for posterity their footprints.'” -Anacaona #Anacaona #Taino #TainoHistory #FuckyourColumbusDay #Quisqueya #Caribbeangirl #Quisqueyana #nastywoman #Tainoheritage #indigeniouspeoplesday #knowkedgeispower
