In Arawak culture, what title was used for the community leader?

• A. The King
• B. The Chief
• C. The Cacique
• D. The Ruler

Answer: (C)

Understanding the title used for Arawak community leaders. In Arawak (Taíno) society, a village was led by a cacique, a figure who held political authority and often also carried ceremonial or religious significance within the community. The cacique acted as the representative of the people in dealings with neighboring groups and with outsiders, including Europeans. When Spaniards described these societies, they used the term cacique to refer to these leaders, and that label has stuck in historical and anthropological writings as the standard way to name Arawak/Taíno chiefs. This makes the title the most accurate reflection of the indigenous leader’s role, rather than more generic terms like king or ruler. While chief is a common translation, cacique specifically identifies the traditional Arawak leadership role.