Kasike Agueybana Day

Did You Know – November 19^th is designated as Kasike Agueybana Day by proclamation of the the honorable Victor Vassallo Anadon, the congressional representative for Ponce and Jayuya, Boriken (Puerto Rico). The day was first proclaimed on November 19, 2009 in recognition of a monument erected in honor of the Taíno kasike (chief) Agueibana in Ponce. The proclamation of Kasike Agueybana Day was the result of a successful lobbying effort by the United Confederation of Taíno People. – UCTP Taíno New © 2012

More than one Agueybana

Did You Know: The Taino ‘name’ Agueibana (Agueybana) is related to more than one indigenous historical figure. In the 15th century, among those persons recorded with the name Agueybana in Boriken (Puerto Rico) were 'Agueybana the elder', the leader who entered into guaitiao (making relations ceremony) with Ponce de Leon and 'Agueybana el Bravo' , the leader who led a latter attack against Spanish forces. Along with these two Kasike (leaders), there are at least two naboria (local people), Martinicio and Perico, who carried the 'name' Agueybana. They were documented within the encomienda system in Boriken. There is also a record of another leader named Francisco Agueybana residing in Kiskeia (Dominican Republic) during the same time period as those who were recorded in Boriken. - UCTP Taino News © 2010

Guaitiao

Did You Know: Traditionally, the Taino people practiced an elaborate name exchange ceremony to build their family and community alliances. This “making relations” ceremony called GUAITIAO was recorded by early chroniclers where they documented Taino Kasike (chiefs) practicing this custom with Spaniards. Hence, the European took the name of the “Indian”, and vice versa. One of the most renowned of these exchanges was between conquistador Ponce de Leon and a powerful Boriken Chief named Agueibana. The name of the Kasike’s mother was changed to the Spanish doña Inez, and his brother took the name of a captain in Ponce de Leon's company. This exchange of names, accompanied with ceremonies, symbolized a lasting bond that was supposed to link the families together in solidarity for generations. While the Taino respected the Guaitiao custom as sacred, most Spaniards revealed their disregard for it by their actions against the Indigenous Peoples of the islands. – UCTP Taino News © 2009