Chapter VI.
The poetical annals and traditions of the Haytians or Tainos of the Antilles, collected in 1498 by Roman &c. with additions by Dangleria and others, Notes, Remarks, and Ancient Tribes.
Roman was a Jeromitan friar, come with Columbus, who began to convert the Haytians in 1496, and collected their traditions, after learning their language, out of the Areitos or songs and hymns used in festivals. He wrote them in 1498 by order of Columbus, and they are inserted at large in his life by his son; but were almost neglected by Irving. They give us not only an insight into the belief, religion, traditions of the Antillian people; but also a compendium of fragments on their annals. Although very desultory, much less connected than those of Mexico, the Linapis, Ongwis &c., and destitute of chronology; yet they afford an essential addition to American history, and the ancient accounts about the Atlantis and Antilles.
In order to bring them into a kind of order, they shall be analyzed, reduced to a succession of events and divided into 3 parts, 1. Cosmogony and Theogony, 2. the flood and primitive history, 3. ancient [pg 163] history previous to Columbus or 1492. A fourth part foreign to these traditions would be their annals since that time, and till the extinction of the nation; which shall be given hereafter, with the account of the language, and civilization—What is peculiar to these traditions among the Americans, are the metamorphoses of men into beasts &c., as in Ovid.
The nation who furnished these annals, was the Haytian of Hayti, a branch of the nation dwelling also in Cuba, and filling the Lucayes and smaller Antilles: whose collective proper name was Taino meaning noble. But they acknowledged as brothers, many tribes of the continent under the collective name of Guatiaos brothers, this was ascertained in 1520 by Figueroa.—(See Herrera.) These Guatiaos were the Aruac nations and tribes, that were not cannibals. These tribes as enumerated by Figueroa in 1520 were in the Antilles the 1. Haytians, 2. Cubans, 3. Jamaicans, 4. Boriquans (Porto Rico), 5. Cairis that dwelt in Trinidad, Barbuda, Marmagitas and Gianis Islands. While those of the continent were the 1. Aruacas of Guyana, 2. Paracurias of Cubagua, 3. Urinatos of Oronoc, 4. Pavonas of Cariaco, 5. Cariatis, 6. Cumanas, 7. Chiribichis, 8. Coquibocoa, 9. Unatos. These five last were intermixt with the Canibas or Caribas, the cannibal tribes, foes of the Guatiaos, which are the Galibis and Carib tribes; that had desolated [pg 164] and conquered most of the eastern Antilles.
All the Tainos spoke the same language divided into several dialects; but understood reciprocally. D'Angleria tells us in 1512 that two distinct languages were used in Cuba, the eastern was a mere dialect of Hayti; but in the west was a very different language not understood; this was the Cami derived from the Olmeca of Oaxaca or the Maya of Yucatan; they having sent there a colony, and founded a kingdom.—(see the Maya History.) In Hayti there was also in the center of the island a kingdom of Mayas? the people were called Mayo-riexes or Macoryxes, (meaning Maya people). They spoke a language different from the Haytian (Dangleria) divided into 3 dialects Cayabo, Cubaba, and Baichagua. This kingdom of strangers was called Cubaba or Caibaba, and Ziguayos. They are called Caribs by some authors; but erroneously.[62]
Many other additional traditions on the Antilles are scattered in early writers, D'Angleria, Gomara, Herrera, Munoz, Acosta, St. Mery, Oviedo, Columbus, Brigstock, Rochefort, Edwards, Garcia, Laet, &c. which shall be partly noticed here as a sequel to Roman, and all connected as a general outline of a history of the Antillian nations.
Having succeeded to make out a fine vocabulary of nearly three hundred words [pg 165] of the Taino dialects, collected from Roman, Columbus, Dangleria, Munoz, Las-Casas, Herrera, Gili, Humboldt, Vater &c.—and another of about 150 words of the Cairi or Eyeri language of the Aruac Islanders out of Dudley, Rochefort &c. I will be enabled to translate and elucidate nearly all the Taino historical names and allusions, so as to clear up the annals by original etymologies. The orthography will be Spanish, J must be pronounced as Kh, and X as Sh.
The Haytians had besides these songs, other annals; since the priests taught history, and the origin of things to the sons of the nobles. They had also perhaps peculiar symbols to keep their records, since Dangleria mentions that they had paintings of beasts, tygers, eagles &c. on cotton, hung to walls. St. Mery says that in 1787 was found in the mountains of Guanaminto a tomb with a stone of 6 feet covered with hieroglyphs! and in the mountains of Limbé, engravings of human figures on a serpentine rock; besides many sculptures in Caves. Columbus saw in 1492 in Inagua one of Lucayes a gold medal with letters on it! If we had figures of these hieroglyphs and engraved symbols, we should probably obtain another clue to American history and graphic systems. But they are probably lost by neglect like those of North America! The Antilles being on the way from the east to the continent must have [pg 166] served as a stepping place to many nations on their passage to the continent.[63]
1st Part.—Theogony and Cosmogony.
1. Fact. The Supreme God, bears five names or titles given by Roman and Dangleria in two dialects, and is male or female.
| By Roman | By Dangleria | Meanings | |
| 1. | Attabei | Attabeira | Unic-Being. |
| 2. | Jemao | Mamona | Eternal. |
| 3. | Guacas or Apito | Guaca-rapita | Infinite. |
| 4. | Apito or Siella | Liella | Omnipotent. |
| 5. | Zuimaco | Guimazoa | Invisible. |
Roman calls it female, Dangleria a male God. The titles of this god are sufficient to indicate the supreme God of nature, and they have astonishing analogies with the primitive God of Asia and Europe, the Basks, Pelasgians, Atlantes, Guanches &c. The most common name was the first, in Cuba Atabex. This and other great Gods were not sculptured in idols. The Chillians had similar names for the Supreme God.[64]
2. Fact. This God was father or mother of another great God dwelling in the sun with a double name, variable in the dialects.
| First Name. | Second Name. | |
| By Roman | Iocahuna | Guamaarocon. |
| By Dangleria | Iocauna | Guamaonocon. |
| In Cuba | Yocahuna | Guamaoxocoti. |
| In Jamaica | Yocahuna | —— |
| In Boriquen | Iacana | Guamanomocon. |
| By Oviedo | Iovana | Guamamona. |
| Variations | Iocavaghama | Guamochyna. |
The explication of these names is not given; but they are identic with the gods of the Cantabrians, and Guanches of Canary islands.—The first appears to be the Jehovah and Yao of the Orientals, and is evidently the Hunaku or Supreme God of the Mayas. The second name means Lord of the World (Guama-ocon) and is a title.[65]
3. Event. This last God made the World, the Heavens Turei, and the Earth before the terrestrial sun and moon; also the Zemis or angels, who are male and female lesser gods, worshipped in idols, and intercessors with the great gods. In the dialects Zemes, Chemes, Chemis.
All the ancestors are since called Zemis: their worship was spread through America, under various names, and forms: as well as in the east. They are the
Shemayim (Heavenly) of the Hebrews.
Shemsia of the Pehlavis of Persia.
Samana & Hamsa of the Hindus.
Shams of the Arabic.
Esmun, Saman of the old Irish.
Eshman (devil) of the Carthuls of Caucasus.
Sumari of Thibet, Chuman of Tartary.
Camus, a synonym of Magi of Persia.
Shin of the Chinese.
Zamzumin ancient giants of Arabia.
Chamin & Zaones of Egypt.
Chama of the Phrygians.
Chamina of the Etruscans.
Zeones & Zanim of the Ammonians.
Zamones (blest) of the Lybians.
Lemes, Zanes and Annas of the Pelasgians.
Chemin, Shemsho, Naemas and Zamiel of Aram or Syria and Phenicia. Chemarim Priests.
Zin, Kami and Kamona of Japan and Yedzo.
While in America we find the Chemim of the Carib women.
Tezmin of the Mayas.
Inama of the Apalachis.
Manito of the Linapis.
Camayos of the Peruvians.—Which are all identic in meaning Angels, Spirits and their idols. This name changes elsewhere in sound: just like Enzel in Teutonic, which has the import of El, Aones, and Zemes, is root of our Angel now pronounced Endjel. This oriental connection of ideas, names and worship, appears to be evident. They are not less in Turei heaven, Uran, Turan of the primitive nation &c.
4th Event. Some of these Zemis became bad beings, and devils Tuyra, who send diseases, hurricanes (Furacan), earthquakes and thunders to desolate the earth and mankind.
The names of Tuyra for devil and evil has analogies throughout the earth. The most striking are
Out of America.
Zitura of Basks.
Guirati of Biscayans.
Vetura in Bali of Pallis.
Tororu of Nukahiva island.
Yarua of the Berber Atlantes.
Yurena of the Guanches Atlantes.
Daruj, Puyri of Zend.
Turug of Celts.
Tairi in Turkish.
Tahyri of Tahiti.
Fara, Wara of Japan.
Tarada of the Papuas.
Uritiram Synonym of Shiva.
Teripis of Oscans.
Tyranos of Greeks.
In America.
Yares of the Tayronas the Cyclops or forgers of Santa Marta.
Sura of Poyays.
Tziri of Poconchi.
Huraqui, Sura of Apalachi.
Tiviri of the Yaquis.
Kiuras of the Powhatans.
Tarahu, of the Tarahumaras.
Prororu of Cumana, derived from Pregonero another subsequent devil of Hayti.
By the change of R to L, we have the Tulas and Atlantes of America.—See Taraguva of 10th Event.
5th Event. The good Zemis were appointed to make the earth and men, and to rule over both. Guabanzex, a female [pg 170] Zemis, made the air and water, and became the goddess of the ocean and winds.
This will answer to the first period of the earth creation, when the water was above the land, and the Rkio of Moses was divided. The name appears to mean the windy.[66]
6th Event. The male Zemis Jaia (Khaya, the earth) made the earth and islands; he is the Aion of Sanchoniation. Every land and island is animated. The island of Hayti was a great animal like a turtle; the head and mouth was in the east, the west end of it was a long tail, called Guaca-iarima (country of the Vent). The caves were the holes of the body, venerated and used afterwards as temples and tombs.
This notion, and comparison of islands with turtles, recalls to mind the primitive turtle land of the Chinese, Hindus, Linapis &c. Jaia or Kaya for land has affinities all over the world and is a primitive word.[67]
7th Event. Jaia afterwards had a son, who was called Jaia-El, Higuera, or Hibuera earth-son gourd.
This first man like Adam is son of the earth, and an EL or Angel, Elohim of the orientals; it means in Haytian, son, offspring, family and tribe. It will often recur in subsequent history, in the singular for the plural. The plurals were Eli, Ili, guaili.—Gua is only the article This or Such.[68]
8th Event. The sun and moon called Boiniael and Maroio by Roman; but Binthaitel and Marohu by Dangleria and Ovieda, come out of the cave Jovovava: they are Zemis and foes of mankind. A cave with the same name was their temple in Hayti. Dangleria calls it Iovana-boina Jove Solar.
The exact time of this appearance is doubtful, and there appears to be two blended events, one of cosmogony alluding to the sun being long obscured by the primitive misty atmosphere, another historical alluding to the solar and lunar dynasties of Asia or America. The meaning of Jovo-vava or Kovo-vava is cave of fathers, both primitive names. The solar and lunar names have many analogies elsewhere, among which the chief are
Names of the Sun.
Oin, Oein of Arabs and Ethiopia.
Oboh, Baion, old Egyptian.
Baon, Oan of Assyrians.
Ian of the Etruscans.
Belen of the Gauls.
Bun of the Zend.
Abolion of the Pelasgians.
Abloin of the Thessalians.
Ntiélé of the Illyrians.
Bian of the Ausonians.
Anactes of the Mysians.
Names of the Moon.
Yarho of the Syrians.
Aohri of the Tibus.
Warha of the Ethiopians.
Carara of the Etruscans.
Teoro of the Betoys, S. A.
Heriho of Canaan.
Humuri of Old Arabic.
Matuaré of Carthul, Caucasus.
Maraca of Guaramis, S. A.
Marama of Polynesia.
Kamar in Maroco.
Kamaria in Pehlvi.
Gumara in Nubian.
Most of these synonyms and analogies are found in the most ancient languages: to which may be added that in the ancient Haikan language of Armenia, the sun and moon were called Noah! and Morante, names also of Noah and his wife.
9th Event. The female Zemis, Coatris-quia makes the springs and streams to flow over the earth, and became their goddess.
This is another period of oriental cosmogony, that of the irruption of subterranean waters and rain, which in the bible is posterior to Adam. The name of the Zemis is of doubtful meaning, probably Coatris-quia, hollow-quite. Coa or Cua was the name of ancient hollow temples all over America. Quia is found in Quisqueia oldest name of Hayti or the great (land) universal.
10th Event. Taragava-el and Corocora or Epileguanita, two male Zemis of the woods and hunters, made the trees and beasts. This includes probably two events anterior to the men, unless they be men.
The meanings of these Zemis which might guide us, are quite doubtful. Taraguva resembles Tuyra and also Turei heaven; but Epileguanita was probably the ancient god of the Caracol or Beastly-men, since it was represented by a beast or quadruped; while all the other Zemis as men and women. Ili-guanita would mean in Haytian children of the people. Therefore I presume that these are personifications of the ancient hunters, or men of the woods with the beastly and savage men of early times. Roman calls the second Corocore, synonyme of Caracara.
Part II. Antidiluvian History and Flood.
11th Event. Jaia-El rebels against his father Jaia and wants to kill him; a warfare, in which Jaia-El is killed by his father, who puts his bones into a gourd. Higuera, or Hibuera, and people the land of that name.
This refers to the fall of man and the wars of the Titans. The name for bones is omitted, it would perhaps afford another clue. Many American nations venerate and animate bones. Dangleria says, that Jaia peopled all the islands of the sea with these bones.
12th Event. Jaia being childless marries Itiba-Jatuvava from whom he has 4 twin sons called Dimivan, who became afterwards Cara-cara-cols or the great Cara-cols, the great beastly beings; but their mother dies at their birth.
Itiba means woman ancient and alludes perhaps to Thibet, refuge, or land of Noah. (I, is the article the). Jatuvava perhaps Japhet-father, but in Aruac Kati-uiua means the moon heavenly. The name of Dimivan is remarkable, being identic with the Demavends or antidiluvians of Persia, called Dawand in the Zendavesta, the Demoi or old people of the Pelasgians, the Demons of many nations. The Caras and Cols are found all over America and Asia.[69]
13th Event. Ahiacavo (grand father) or Baia-manicoel an ancestor of the Dimivan, forms the nation of Con-El, at Basamanaco, and invents agriculture, with the art of making cakes and bread.
The Dimivan acknowledge him as grandfather of mankind. Con-El is certainly a personification, meaning the sons or Elohim of Con, who is the primitive Lybian Hercules KON or KHON; and is found in Peruvian history as the first legislator of Peru. The XONS or Cones were the oldest people of Spain and Italy, same as Xâones of Greece. Their god was XON or Konah. Basamanaco is inexplicable unless it alludes to the primitive antidiluvian Manaco or Manco of Peru. Ba is dwelling, Samana an island near Hayti.
14th Event. The four brothers Dimivan meeting a mute Conel, making bread, ask him for some; but he only gives them instead Cogioba or Cohiba which is tobacco: this happened at the door of Basamanaco. [pg 175] This fable indicates an intercourse of the Dimivans and the Conels which are probably a branch of the Atlantes or Lybians.
15th Event. This refusal of bread was the cause of a quarrel and war, in which Conel kills or destroys one of the brothers or tribes of Dimivan Caracol, but a turtle Hicotea came out of his body, or an island thus called, as Hayti was. This Conel conqueror was Baia-mani-coel, whose name means Father of food celestial; but Baya is also the ocean.
This indicates a great war, and probably alludes to that of the Atlantes.[70]
16th Event. The Dimivans, probably in revenge, broke the gourd of Jaiael (Khayahel); but a flood of waters issue from it and drowns the land.
This deluge is called Niquen: there is no indication in Roman of the men who were destroyed, nor who were saved and how; but in Cuba was found a more ample tradition of the flood as follows.
17th Event. Three Behiques or priests who come to Cuba later, taught them that the flood had been general, had broken the land; and that a good man had been saved in a big boat with his family. That many animals were also in the boat, a vulture and dove are mentioned.
Herrera and others relate this, but in different words, and without native names. Some have supposed this account made out by the Spanish priests; but it appears [pg 176] to refer to a tradition brought by the Olmecas or Mayas in Cuba, being very similar to the Mexican accounts.
18th Event. Another subsequent flood although omitted by Roman, is alluded to by others, Garcia says that Hayti and Cuba were then cut asunder and separated from Yucatan. Dangleria says that the islands Lucayas that then joined to the great islands, were divided by irruptions of the sea. It is the second flood of Peleg, which in the Antilles broke the islands by volcanic explosions. It is impossible to say what events of the next period, may belong to the interval between the two floods; but probably some of them. All these antidiluvian events appear to belong to a different country than the Antilles, which did not even then exist, at least in their actual state, and may properly be referred to the island Atlantis or the eastern hemisphere. It was at this last cataclysm that the Antilles assumed their actual shape and number.
Part III.—Ancient History.
19th Event. After the floods the men dwelt in caves on the mountain Cauta in the land of Caanau or Caunana or Caona.
The mountains of Cauta must have been the refuge of men at one of the floods: they answer probably to the Cuta of the Hindus, name given to many rocky lands and capes besides mountains. The Ceuta mountain of Africa south of Gibraltar, was one of them, also called Abyla from the Cabyles [pg 177] or Nomadic Berbers. Dangleria states a tradition that men were created on that mountain. Cauta although unexplained is identic with Icota turtle, Ca-uta land raised. Caona means golden.
The land Caanau of Roman, Caunana of Dangleria, has been mistaken for the land of Canaan by some writers: others deem it Florida. Both are wrong. The Haytians did not come from North America; but may have sent colonies there. They came from the east, South America and Africa, or the Atlantis. The name means land of Noah? (Caa-Nau, Cau-Nana). Caunia was the ancient name of Asia Minor and Caria, the first Carians were Caunians, a Pelagian tribe which expelled by the Leleges, settled the Grecian islands, and Lybia part of which was called Caani. The Anakim of Syria giants dwelt in Ca-anak. The Khaoni were the ancestors of Epirians and Illyrians. Cauni was a mauritanian tribe.
20th Event. The sun and moon are two great Zemis called Binthaitel (sun divine) and his wife Marohu (moon), come out of the cave Iovana-boina (Jehovah-Solar), and rule the world, establishing the solar and lunar dynasties.
This historical event must be distinguished from the 8th. This refers to the solar dynasties of Asia and Africa. It must be noticed that similar places were often shown in Hayti, as the same names [pg 178] had been applied by the subsequent settlers, even when the event had happened elsewhere. In this case, these solar caves were temples in Hayti, where the figures of the sun and moon were worshipped, and prayed to for rain; but Herrera says they had their hands bound, which indicates a conquest. Pilgrims went to those caves, from all parts of Hayti. It was in the land of the king Mauziation-El (Roman) or Machiunech (Dangleria); but whether these were former dynasties and kings or late rulers, is difficult to ascertain.
21st Event. Maroco-El (lunar son) called Machocha-El by Dangleria, held the sway over men, who were still in Cauta and Caanau, and kept them confined to the caves.
This indicates a lunar dominion over mankind somewhere, and a state of confinement: Perhaps in South America; in Peru caves are also the first dwellings of mankind.
22d Event. The men were divided into double tribes or two nations, the principal or largest and of best men was called Cazibagiaga—R. Cazibaxagua—D. (Royal Xagua) and the smaller Amaianaba—R. Amayauna—D. (Mayas?), ruled by Cazics for kings.
We have here two nations well indicated. The first the Giaga or Shaguas, indicate the Lunar tribe, the Chia of the Muyzcas, and other South American tribes Achaguas of Oronoc, the Chaguays or Changas of [pg 179] Peru, Agaches or Agaiz or Paraguay; but above all the Cacha or Xauxa antidiluvian people of Peru. While in the second we trace again the Amazons or Atlantes, one of their main African tribes being the Amantes of Solin, another the Baniabas of Ptolemy, both in Lybia. In America the progeny is found in the Mayas of Yucatan, the Maynas of East Peru, the Mamayant of Brazil, the Mbayas of Chaco &c.
The important name of Cazic for kings begins to appear: it is evidently oriental, and its affinities will be shown in a note.[71] It is akin also to Kachi sun, in the Eyeri dialect: the Washil of the Nachez.
23d Event. Machocha-El was set by the sun to watch the caves, and many inhabitants of the caves were killed by the sun, if they came out in the day time; they could only come out at night to seek for food. (Dangleria)
This either alludes to the great heat of the sun in Africa and the tropics, or to a dependance of the Lunar or Cave men upon the Solar men. Machocha has some affinities in the South American tribes; Machicuys of Tucumen, Machacalis of Brazil, Chaehas of Perou, Chanchones of Quixos &c.
24th Event. Some men having dared to come in the day time, were changed into stones by the sun; (Ziba is stone): also Machokael for allowing it.
This fable may allude to a war, between [pg 180] the Zibas stony or strong men and the solar tribes. These Zibas were probably the Zipas or princes of the Muyzcas. In Perou there is also a fable of men changed to stones at the primitive city of Tiahuanaco, which merely means a war and change of dominion. The name of Ziba for stone is primitive.—See the Note for affinities.[72]
25th Event. Another set of men, going to the shores to fish, were changed into Joboses (myrobolan or plumb trees) by the sun.
This metamorphose is peculiar to these fables: although the Mexicans called the Olmecas, fruit-people or Zapotecas. The analogies of Jobos or Kobos are found in Coyba of Darien, Cuba or Coaiba, the Mocobis of Chaco &c. Another war is probably meant by this, and the Jobos are a people. Have they any reference with the Jubas of Mauritania? who formed a divine and royal dynasty there. Juba was also the Jove or God of the Lybians. Several nations of Central and Mexican America had trees for emblems.
26th Event. The dynasty of Giona or Hi-Auna begins to rule over the men of Caziba or royal caves in Cauta.
This family of rulers or Cazics became famous afterwards as we shall see, as leaders of tribes to America. We can easily perceive here the ancient Pelagian tribes of Ionia and Aones. Hi-Auna means [pg 181] the-Aones. It was this dynasty or people that sent colonies to America: Oviedo says this happened in the time of Hesper 12th king of Spain, about 750 years after the flood, or 1658 years B. C. He deems the settlers Hesperians or Cantabrians. The root is Ona solar name of Lybians.
27th Event. Vagoniana a ruler of the Hi-Auna, went fishing from the cave, and became a bird or nightingale; who crossed the sea, and settled the island Mathinino (Martinico) with a people of women. Dangleria. His wife in the sea gives him two sons which became jewels Ziba and Guanin marble and metal.
This is a positive voyage over the Atlantic. Whenever we meet tribes of birds, in ancient history, they always mean travellers and colonies, and often passage over the sea in sailing boats, compared to birds. The first ships of the Scandinavians and Europeans seen in North America, were called birds by the natives. V and B interchange in the Haytian language as in Greek; Va-gon-iana, thus means Father-Solar-Iana. His people are called women, because unwarlike fishermen, or the Amazon tribe. Martinico was the first island settled by them: it bears the name of Matinino in Roman, and was thus called yet in 1492, Garcia mentions the 2 sons and jewels.[73]
28th Event. Guagu-giona king of Caziba, sent Jadruvaba out of the caves, to collect [pg 182] the holy herb Digo in order to purify and wash the body; but he was changed by the sun into a singing bird Giahuba-Bogiael (the-singer bird-divine), and never returns.
We have here a second voyage by sea in a bird, and a contention with a solar people, caused by a trading voyage to procure some American commodity: Indigo probably which is identic with Digo. Jadru-vaba or the father of Khadru, must be a new colonist. Khadru has hardly any analogies in America; but Giahuba in which he was changed has some. It appears analagous with the Yaoy and Shebaoy two Aruac tribes of Guyana, and thus Khadru might be the Aruac themselves; same nation with the Haytians once, as the languages prove; although extending to Tucuman and Patagonia. The name of Aruac or Aruagas was inexplicable: it may refer to this origin, or to the Rocou the red paint used by them. But Aruac may also mean Aluac; akin to the Labuyu of the Caribs their vassals, and the Aluez vassals of the Nachez nation. Could they derive from the ALE angels of the east; here reduced to servitude by foes?
29th Event. Guagu-Giona irritated that Jadru-vaba does not return, leaves the cave of Caziba in search of him, and went with men and women to the island Matinino, where the women were left, while the men went to the land of Guanin.
This is the third passage of the Atlantic, [pg 183] unless that of Vagoniana only mentioned by Dangleria and Garcia be the same; but they are likely to be successive tribes of Ionas. That all the women should be left in Martinico is a fable, meaning that the weakest or fishing tribes settled there or in the islands; while the warriors went to the American continent, called Guanin, which has several meanings, land of Guanas or lizard men, or land of metals. It became afterwards the name of a peculiar metal formed by the natural or artificial amalgam of 18 parts gold, 6 silver, and 8 copper: and a tribe assumed the name. Guana or Guanos was the name of a large nation of South America; perhaps come from the Guans of the Canary islands; but slightly related to the Aruacs by the languages: yet perhaps akin: it was spread east of the Andes, between the two tropics.[74]
30th Event. The children were left behind, because afraid to cross, and were crying after their mothers; but became changed into Tona or opossums. Garcia says into Toa or frogs.
There are no opossums in Hayti nor the small islands, nor in Africa. But they are plenty in South America, where the notion must have sprung. This fable and metamorphosis may imply a hidden meaning. The opossums are the only animals bearing their young in a pouch, as ships bear men. Could not this indicate other ships without sails, and thus no longer birds with wings?
TON is a remarkable word, since it is the root of Nei-ton the Lybian neptunes or navigators. The twin TUN are the holy ancestors of the Chilians, Tona-ca (flesh our) is the ancestor or Adam of some Mexican nations. The frogs were the emblem of the Muyzcas!
31st Event. Guabonito a woman follows Guaga-Giona to the bigland of Guanin by swimming. He is well pleased with it, and calls her his own Biberozi (wife-loving): but as she was diseased he puts her apart in a Guanara, where she heals, and he makes her queen.
A singular romantic fable, the disease of the woman is stated to be the syphilis! Guabo-n'ito means fruit or Guava pear of man! The allegory implies another colony following Guaga, not by swimming; but with paddles or on rafts; probably a part of the lesser tribe of Amaiuna or Amazons, so often called women in antiquity; although a powerful African people. All the women left in the islands might be of such a tribe, and since become the Mayas of Yucatan, Hayti &c., with the Manas or Manoas, the Amazons of South America.
32d Event. Anacacugia (flower of Cacao) brother of this wife or ally of Guaga, runs away from him on the back of a manati or seal, and goes back to the women of Matinino.
This implies a separation of tribes, one returning to the islands, where they probably [pg 185] formed the Cairi nation. The seal used for boats, is a third fable, found in Greece; boats are thus compared to birds, opossums and seals. Many American languages animate boats and ships. This seal must mean a Manati, or sea cow; real seals not being found in the Antilles. If the name was Manati, it has affinities with the Ama-yuna or Ama-Zons tribe. Ma-ti-ni-no is in Haytian great-mount-the-good, while Mana-ti is moving mountain. Has not Anacacu a reference to the Anakim of Asia, the Cacus of Europe, and the Tam-anacu of South America?
33d Event. Hi-Auna father of Guago-giona comes with his son to the land of Guanin, and being the grandfather of all the tribes, they receive the names of Hi-auna; which is afterwards changed to children of Guanin. Hin Gua-ili Gua-nin (the-plural such-children such-Nin), and lastly the whole united nation is called Guanini.
The Aones came then also to America, and there was a confederacy of the tribes. Gua-gu, Gua-go and Gua-ga, may be 3 spellings of a same name; but they might also be three successive and distinct tribes of Giona. Gua-bonito in one instance is made another lord or tribe, instead of a wife of Guago.
34th Event. Albebora and his son Al-bebora-El, were also Guanini lords or Cazics, who came with the Giona tribe. [pg 186] This indicates again another nation. The name is remarkable, because it resembles Albion and Bora, two primitive nations of the north, which settled England and the boreal regions, becoming the Hyper-Boreans of later times. Perhaps these Boras are identic with the Aboras and Aboris of ancient Italy, the mountaineers since called Abori-genes by the Greeks.
35th Event. Another Guaga-giona II. or Guaba-giona is mentioned afterwards, whose son became the Guanini tribe.
Guaba means both the father and the Guava pear. The succession of these Gionas is very obscure; but many are probably omitted, and the whole poetical records allude to the most famous of the dynasty or nation. Guanini implies the Golden tribe.
36th Event. The settlement of the Guaninis in Hayti was from Matinino and the east; being exiled from Matinino, they are led by Camo who begins the kingdom of Cabonao in Hayti; they settle on the river Bahaboni, where they built their houses, and afterwards the great temple of Camotzia. They gave to the island the name of Quisqueia or great universe; but afterwards Hayti, meaning land rough or hilly. (Dangleria.)
This important event is best given with those details by Dangleria: while Roman appears to mix it with the settlement of Guanin. Yet Quisqueia was more probably [pg 187] the first name given to South America, rather than to Hayti: another name for which was Bohio or habitations. Camo or Guamo means lord or master, Tzia is temple. The exile of the Guaninis from the islands, must allude to another revolution and perhaps invasion. This Camo, was probably the same as the Cami or Coma of Cuba in later time, Comayagua of Honduras; which assimilate the first civilized Haytians with the tribes of Central America. It might have happened that these Camos were Mayas and the ancestors of the Mayo-riexes. The history of the Mayas of Otolum, and Central America, will be connected with these annals hereafter; but much is left for conjecture.
37th Event. Other exiles of Matinino settle at the island Cabini now Turtle island; and near it on the north shore of Hayti, from whence they spread through the island, which is called Bouhi or Bohio, meaning full of towns.
Dangleria mentions this likewise. House and town or habitation, are synonymous in Haytian.
38th Event. They found some Caracoles or Taracolas, crabs! or beastly men, dwelling in the island. The Guaninis wanting women, took some Caracols beasts for wives, and made them suitable women, by washing them, and giving them to eat the fruit Inriri Cahuvial. This was done by a Vagoniana II. [pg 188] These Caracols had then survived the flood or come before the Guaninis, the name of the fruit that made them women, if explained, might elucidate this event; but the signification was not given; another version will suggest other important analogies.[75]
39th Event. These Caracols deprived of their women, took other female beasts for wives (another tribe) and from this union most of the Haytians descended, becoming Anaborias or vassals of the Guaninis.
Anaboria means flower or lizard of labor! these might be descended from Albebora. This name for bondsmen, boors or laborers, was widely spread in America, and has affinities all over the world, even with the Latin labor.[76]
40th Event. These first inhabitants of Hayti, fed on dates, bananas, cocos, fruits, nuts, herbs, yams, roots, onions, mushrooms: until taught the use of Cazabi or bread by Boition, with maize, cotton, mandioc &c.
Another fact of Dangleria, very natural indicating the tropical food of old times.
41st Event. Michetauri Guauana, was the leader of the first colony to Coaibai (death house) in the land of Soraia (setting sun), and became the king of it. There the people are called Goeiz (phantoms or ghosts) and go about by night; but are not dead people whose name is Opia.
Coaibai is either Cuba or Coyba in Darien, or both. It became the paradise of [pg 189] the Haytians, placed in Cuba or further west, and a place of delight. The names and allusions are remarkable. They assimilate to those of the Greeks &c. about the fortunate islands of the west: those of the Orientals and Hebrews about the island Elisha, and the Sheol or place of souls, the Hebrew Plutonic region. Soraya for setting sun, is identic with Surya of the Hindus: whence came Syria the west, and even our word sorrow; while Sol comes from Sheol. Azil sun in Pelasgian, is akin to Elisha whence our word Azylum! Goeiz is akin to ghost, Ghaib in Syrian, Coyocop of the Nachez, Goz of the Vilelas. Opi has affinities every where. Michetauri is perhaps a synonym of Machi-tuyra great devil, Guauana is such-Auna. Perhaps this fable alludes to an anterior event and the passage to America of a former Hi-Auna.[77]
42d Event. Aumatex a great Cazic marries the female Zemi Guabanzex, goddess of waters and wind, and she has two sons Guatauva and Pregonero, who become male Zemis.
It is impossible to say if this event belongs to this time or to the cosmogony. I presume it is historical, alluding to new tribes, and perhaps foreign to Hayti. The names are difficult to explain, nor is it stated what these sons performed; but being sons of water and wind, they must have led colonies by sea elsewhere. They [pg 190] are perhaps the ancestors of the Guataios and the Puruays?[78]
43d Event. Corocoro the quadruped Zemi of the Caracols? was the ancestor of two lines of kings, Guamorete and Guatabanex, who rule in Hayti. His temple was in Sacaba, and his high-priest was called Cavava-Niovava. Cave father and our father.
This alludes to different tribes than the Guaninis: Coro was a tribe in Cumana. Perhaps this is another version of the 10th Event, or a proper indication of the subsequent institutions of the Caracol nation, when more civilized, and become the Mayorex.
44th Event. Arrival in Hayti, Cuba &c. of the first Bohito (old man), a priest and legislator, called Boition by Dangleria, meaning both Priest-solar and Old Ion: he introduces agriculture and the use of bread, divides the nation into 3 castes, Tainos, or nobles, Bohitos or priests, Anaborias or vassals, and these last into tillers, hunters and fishermen. He becomes pontif, settles the religion; establishing mysteries and oracles, the worship of Zemis, and many other institutions, holydays, festivals, religious dances, schools &c., declaring the land common to all, like the sun and water.
There are at least 3 Bohitos, that came to Hayti and Cuba, and civilized the people; but it is difficult to distinguish the deeds of each. They were probably priests [pg 191] leading more civilized colonies from the east or from America. Their name which is variously spelt or varies in dialects was also Buhuti, Boitio, Bauti, Buhui, Boyeto &c., is akin to the Boyez, Poyes, Piazes, Payes of South America, used by the Aruacs, Guaranis and Carib tribes, Piaches of Tamanacs, Bauti of Dabaiba, Papas of Central America, Bochica of Muyzcas; but the names of priests all over ancient eastern nations, have still more analogies[79]—and therefore they came from the east. The civilization and religion introduced or improved by them is also oriental; it was more advanced than we are aware; since they had ample fields and orchards, roads and canals, schools in which they taught history, religion, medicine and useful arts. Of their astronomy nothing has been preserved, nor of their hieroglyphs.
45th Event. Bohito II. or Buhui-tihu (old eminent) comes and improves still further the rites &c., becoming high-priest. He introduces medicines, charms, the use of cotton and cloth, burning of bodies instead of mummies as formerly, the holy herbs Gueyo and Zochen &c.
This is all what can be collected on this second law-giver, and he is even blended with the next, except by name.
46th Event. Bohito III. or Baio-habao (sea-lyre) comes next, introducing music, sacred instruments called after him, and [pg 192] probably the rites of the triple named god of the Hindu and Mayan trimurti: Bugia, Aiba and Bradama: who became the Zemi of war, or perhaps led to a war.
This god with three names is evidently Vishnu, Shiba and Brama of India: found in Yucatan as Izona, Echuah and Bacab. See my dissertation in Atlantic Journal, on similar names of triple God all over America and the east. It does not follow that this worship came direct from India; but it might come through the Pelagians, who had it as Bram, Amen and Vix, inverted among the Ausonians, Oscans. The same about a god creator preserver and destroyer was prevalent in Asia, Iran, Thibet, Syria, Egypt, Greece, Etruria, and even the Canary islands. The Mayoriex came probably with Bohito III.
47th Event. Happy state of this civilized people, hardly knowing war, passing the time in festivals, dancing, singing and making love: whence called the Fortunate islands, by the navigators that happened to go so far. They dwelt in wooden houses and had towns of 1000 houses.—Herrera.
This period is indicated by twenty authentic sources of ancient history, and the ancient traditions of Europe about the happy land of the west, Elisha or Elysium, Hesperides, Cocana of the Spaniards &c.: besides the happy state in which Hayti was found.—See the account of the ancient notions and communications with America, [pg 193] and the great Atlantis: the most explicit is found in Diodorus Siculus, as follows.
48th Event. The Phenicians driven by a storm, while going from Gades to Africa, discover the large island Atlantis, many days in the ocean west of Lybia. It was very fruitful, with mountains, large plains and navigable rivers; with many woods and fruits, fine valleys, plenty of wild beasts and fish. The air is mild and healthful; it is a residence fit for gods: the inhabitants are a strong and healthful people; they have many towns, with stately buildings, houses of pleasures, gardens, orchards &c.—Diod. Book V.
The translators of Diodorus have blundered so far as to deem this island Madeira or the Canaries; which are small islands, without streams, and the first without inhabitants. It can only apply to Hayti, or even the continent of South America.
49th Event. A black people came to Hayti from the south or south-east, who had darts of Guanin metal, and were called the Black Guaninis.
This tradition preserved by Herrera, Garcia and Charlevoix, indicates a colony of Negroes or men painting black, from South America. They might be the black Negroes of Quarequa mentioned by Dangleria, or some other American Negro nation, of which there are many.—See my account of ancient Black Nations of America. Dangleria mentions two wild tribes [pg 194] of savages in Hayti towards 1500, one speechless! (which means they spoke a different language) probably a remain of the Caracols, another swift dwelling in caves, quite apart, seen in 1514 in Zauana of Guacarima.
50th Event. Navigations of the Haytians and Cubans, settlements of the Lucayas islands, Jamaica, and probably some parts of Florida: mutual trade with Cuba and the continent.
These colonial and trading voyages must have begun long before and have been continual. Columbus met individuals in Cuba who had visited Hayti, Jamaica and Yamaya, the Maya land or Yucatan. Yucayas or Lucayans knew Cuba, Hayti and Florida, which was called Cautio says Fulgar, quoted by Cardenas, who deems the Antilles peopled from hence, blending it with Cauta the original seat of the Haytians. South America was once called Guanin, afterwards Caribana when it was overspread by the Carib tribes. The Nachez appear to have come from Cuba. The Cumanas knew Hayti and called it Atsi.
51st Event. The Canibas (whence our Canibals) or the Caribas, (whence our Caraibes), a savage people, often feeding on human flesh, begin to spread to Guyana and South America; becoming bold navigators also, they send war parties and colonies to the peaceful islands of the Antilles, and even to Florida.
The Caribas evidently descended from the Galibis, and other akin nations of South America, did not originate in North America, as supposed by Bridgstock and a few others. Laborde who spent 20 years with them, and knew well their language, has published some of their traditions in 1704. Lon-quo was their original god, who made Racumon their chief or leader to America, who leads there the tribes of snakes, men, Cabatos-trees and birds. The true name of the nation was Cali, those of the main were Cali-nago or Calibis, of the islands Cali-ponam. Rochefort &c.—See my Carib Traditions.
52d Event. The Calibis of Guyana after long wars with Alouague the kings of the Aruacas, send the general Timani to conquer the Aruacas Islanders, Cahiris, Eyeris &c. who leads the tribe of Labouyous (vassals) and conquer several islands, killing the men and keeping the women.—Rochefort &c.
The period of this invasion is unknown; those who bring the Caribs from North America, make it much later of course; but it is likely to be an old event: although several invasions are probably meant and blended. The Timanis and Labouyous must have effected this. They adopted many customs and partly the religion of the conquered women. The following tradition belongs probably to the conquered Eyeris.
53d Event. Once when living wretched and on the spontaneous fruits of the earth, Oubek-Eyeri (heaven man) a holy man drest all in white cotton, comes from heaven (Oubek above). He first appears to a desolate old man Boyez, and teach him to build houses, to cultivate mandioc and make bread of it &c.
This must have been a priest or bohito of Hayti, who tried to civilize the Caribs: unless it refers to anterior traditions. He taught religion also, that good men would go after death to the happy islands of the west, and become Chemin or Icheiri Zemis; while bad men should become Oumekoua wanderers at sea, and Mabouyas devils.
54th Event. The Caribas in search of these fortunate islands go to Hayti and Cuba; but are repulsed, and settle in Florida, where they extended inland, becoming the tribes of Cofachi, Matica and Amana. They dwell there a long while often at war with the Apalachis, who conquer them and incorporate at last.
See Brigstock for this fact, and the wars with the Apalachis; the details belong to the history of North America and the nations of Florida.
55th Event. Some expelled Caribs hearing by traders of Zigateo, steal some canos and run away to this island, one of the Lucayas; well received; but sent to Ayay (Santa Cruz) desert island, where they [pg 197] settle and increase. This happened towards 1150 of our era.
This positive fact begins the certain chronology of the Antilles; but Brigstock is quite wrong in deeming these fugitives, the ancestors of all the Carib and Galibis tribes as far as Brazil.
56th Event. Civil wars in Hayti, attempt of some kings to become independent from the Bohitos government. The Cazic Guamaretus despise his god or Zemi Corochotum, for which he is overcome in battle and his palace burnt. Dangleria.
This indicates probably a revolution, and attempt to overthrow the ancient religion, perhaps before 1150.
57th Event. Cazi-baquel restores peace, and the worship of the great God Jocavaghama, with the Zemi Tarugavael found in the woods. Meantime the god Jocava prophecies by an oracle that the Maguacochios (great people clothed) would come, with fire and thunder to destroy or enslave the rebellious Haytians. This was understood to apply to the Caribs, and Spaniards afterwards.[80]
58th Event. This great king Baquel, begins a dynasty, and has many successors Gamanacoel, Guarionel, Guayaronel, Guavanenechin, Guavavo-conel, Caramarex, Guaramatex &c., who are the chief kings of Hayti. Guarionex was his successor when the Spaniards came.
The ancestors of Guarionex had been [pg 198] kings or cazics from time immemorial in the great kingdom and valley of Maguana, 180 miles long and 30 broad, running from east to west; having from east to west the provinces Canobocoa, Hubabo, Cayaba, Maricoa, Bainoa. The river Bahuan runs through it, which is probably the same as Bahaboni, where settled the Guaninis. They appear to have been at the head of the feodal system of Cazics and Tainos established in Hayti. All the other kings bearing them allegiance: and their dialect was the court language.
59th Event. The island becomes divided into 5 principal kingdoms, with many provinces each having a Cazic. They were 1. Caizimu in the east with 11 provinces, Higuey was the first of them, 2. Bainoa in the centre, the largest of all, belonging to the Baquel dynasty, with 24 provinces, Maguana being the first of them, 3. Guacarima, the west end, with 12 provinces, Xaragua being the main, 4. Hubaba, a small kingdom with 3 provinces in the south mountains, 5. Cotoy or Cayabo in the mountains of the north, held by the Mayoriex people, with 7 provinces, and the mountains Zibao.
Dangleria gives the names of all these provinces, but he has omitted the kingdom of Marien in the north-west, he makes it only a province of Bainoa. Laet, Charlevoix and Munoz have given maps of old Hayti, with the situations of many, the [pg 199] rivers, towns, islands, mountains, lakes &c.; see my Ancient Geography of the Antilles.
60th Event. Meantime Cuba was also divided into 7 kingdoms, 1. Mayzi or Maiti opposite Hayti, 2. Bayamo west of it, 3. Cueyba in the centre, whence the name of Cuba, probably the head kingdom, 4. Camayegua or Camaguey inhabited by a different people, famous tribe, probably Comayaguas of Honduras, or Olmecas, 5. Xagua near the middle, 6. Macaca in the south opposite Jamaica, 7. Haniguanica at the west end where are the high mountains Uhima.
61st Event. The island of Jamaica was divided in two kingdoms. Boriquen also Buchena or Burichina (D) now Porto-Rico, formed one, but had 26 Cazics in as many valleys, the high mountains of Guayamo being desert. The Yucayas (white islands) now Bahama, were numberless, the largest being Amana, Zigateo, Bahama, Bimini, Sumana, Yuma, Guanahani, Saomoto, Abaco &c. The Cazics were much respected there, being also Bohitos or Behiques (priests) judges and stewards. Labor was in common and the daily food given from the public stores. Some islands were at war; but only used sticks in their quarrels. Yet all the islands formed a single kingdom, the great Cazic resided at Saomoto.
62d Event. The Caribas of Ayay having multiplied, spread again over the eastern islands: they are repulsed in Boriquen; [pg 200] but meeting their ancient tribes in Curucueria now Guadeloupe: it becomes their chief island: whence they send war parties to 1000 miles off, even to the continent; and occupy Galana now Marigalante, Matinino or Madinino now Martinique, Liamaca now Antigua, Liamuiga St. Christopher, Bayaraco St. Vincent, Bequia Grenada &c. called collectively Caliaqua the islands of the Calibis.
63d Event. They molest the shores of Boriquen, where they are always repulsed, but often steal men and children to eat them.
64th Event. They assail the shores of Hayti, where they are much feared; signals by smoke are made when they appear. In Higuey and Caizimu, eastern regions of the island, the Haytians become warlike to defend themselves, and use poisoned arrows as they did. Elsewhere the Haytians used only darts, lances and macanas, peculiar wooden swords.
65th Event. The Caribs went as far as the shores of Cuba, and desolated the south shores: the Cubans removing their towns inland. They were called Canibas and Canimas: and succeed in forming a settlement at Baracoa to the south-east.
66th Event. They were repulsed in their attempt against the warlike Jamaicans who used arrows; they do not appear to have molested the Yucayans, owing to their former alliance and gift of the island Ayay.
These events are chiefly collected from Columbus' own account, and personal narratives of his travels, with other retrospective hints by the Spanish writers. They will also afford the notices of the subsequent events.
67th Event. The population of all the Tainos in the Antilles was at least two millions; 1,200,000 in Hayti; 600,000 in Cuba; 100,000 in Boriquen; 60,000 in Jamaica; 40,000 in the Yucayas; besides the unknown Carib population.
This is the least calculation, at the Spanish arrival: others have swelled it to 6 millions, including all the West Indies. Las-Casas states that the Lucayas had 500,000, Jamaica and Boriquen 600,000.
68th Event. The domestic animals of these islands, were among beasts, Alco dogs, gochi-dogs, agutis, cavias, pecari hogs and manatis: turtles and guanas among reptiles: parrots, doves, partridges, fowls, ducks and red cranes among birds: remoras among fishes; and even cucuyos or fire flies used for lamps among insects.
Such were found either in one or all the islands; which were not therefore destitute of domestic animals, as commonly believed. Columbus found tame fowls at Cuba in 1492; which were probably the Powis fowls.
69th Event. Beroica was king of Jamaica (about the year 1420) he began a dynasty; his two successors were Bemberoica [pg 202] and Abem-beroica, meaning Beroica II., Beroica III.
Garcia states this fact; but in 1503 Columbus found Ameyro Cazic of the east, and Huarco of the west of Jamaica.
70th Event. The island Puta or Cahiri now Trinidad at the furthest east end of the Antilles was still inhabited by several Aruac tribes, Cahiris, Yaoy &c. which resisted the inroads of their constant foes the Galibis and Caribas.
71st Event. Between 1450 and 1480 Guaramatex was the greatest king and Cazic of Hayti, in Bainoa and Maguana.
72d Event. Cayacoa was king of Caizimu and Higuey in the east from about 1460 to 1494 when he died.
73d Event. About 1470 some Caribs settle in Samana, the east peninsula of Hayti; and two valiant brothers Caonabo and Manicatex, form themselves a small kingdom inland near to the Mayoriex nation, Mayo-banex their king admits them as allies. Caonabo conquers 3 provinces, Dahabon, Zibaho and Manababo. He was so much esteemed for his valor, that Anacoana the Venus of Hayti, sister of the king of Xaragua, becomes his wife soon after.[81]
74th Event. About 1475, Behechio is king of Guacarima in the west, till 1500. His capital was Xaragua. He became a conqueror of several provinces, as far as Neyba and Ozama rivers. He had 32 vassal [pg 203] Cazics, and 30 wives, his favorite queen was Guanahata.
Dangleria calls him Beuchicus Anaca-choa, and says that as usual with great kings, he received many titles, being called Shining Copper, Bright Highness, and Rich Flood. These titles were really
Tureigua hobin, Heaven-like of Yellow Copper.
Siarei-huibo, Star-bright Highness.
Duyh-zinequen, Wealthy in Streams.
75th Event. In 1480 Guarionex succeeds Guaramatex as the greatest king of Hayti.
76th Event. In 1486 the Cubans send a colony to Florida, in search of a river and spring restoring to youth; they visit the Pola islands, now Martyrs or Florida keys, the Colas nation of South Florida, and settle the town of Abaiba near the cape of Florida.—Herrera.[82]
This proves a previous trade and knowledge of Florida. The Colas are perhaps descendants of the ancient Cara-Cols of Hayti: they dwelt in Florida till 1760, when they removed to Cuba.
77th Event. In 1490 and previous to it, war in Cuba between the kingdom of Cuba or Colba, and Cavilla king of the Cami nation, in the country of Bafan, whose capital was Fava.—Columbus' Narrative.
Columbus heard of this war in 1492. The Cami are the same as the Cama-yegua, the foreign people of Cuba.[83]