As mentioned in the last post, the greatest influence to salsa that came from the Taíno originates in musical aspects rather than the linguistic and cultural factors discussed previously. Maybe the most concrete example of this point is the fact that Maracas, an instrument used by the Taíno in much the same form as today, has survived on the island throughout history and continues to be used in Cuban music today.
The Taíno had in fact various music and dance forms which are collectively known as Areito (aka Areyto). These were used predominantly to accompany religious ceremonies or at general gatherings and festivals. In the Areito people were singing and dancing, with their arms intertwined, while being guided by a leader. The lyrics of these “bailar candanto” (sung dances) spoke both about past as well as present events so they acted as a history lesson as well as a newsletter for the Taíno recounting social, political and religious aspects.
It is not known exactly how much Areitos have influenced later Cuban dances and it is generally accepted that most Cuban dances had their origin predominantly in the mix between African and European cultures at a point where the Taíno had already been driven close to extinction. However, there is evidence that at least some of the aspects of modern Cuban dances were influenced by Areitos. Particularly Son Cubano is seen as the dance that has picked up more aspects of Areitos than other dances and Son music is often called the most outstanding sample of Cuban national music as it contains elements from the African, European and Latin American ancestors of Cuba. Son eventually further evolved into Casino and particularly when comparing Rueda de Casino to Areitos we can observe the following Areito elements that have similarities to aspects of Rueda:
- Areitos had a call-and-response structure. - They were danced in circles.
- One member of the people dancing in the circle guided the group.
- They used some instruments still being used today in some form i.e. drums, maracas.
- Their lyrics were stories of the past with political and religious influences
Even though it is unknown how much the Taíno ultimately contributed to the way we dance Casino today it is nice to think that the true aborigines of Cuba who were driven close to extinction have had an impact on one of the islands most popular cultural exports and are thus remembered internationally.
Areyto_ceremony_of_the_Taíno.jpg by Marine 69-71. This image is in the public domain.
