The Taíno were considered a rather peaceful group of people. However, when rivalries and disputes occurred between groups and chieftains, they fought amongst themselves.
When larger conflict occurred between the Taíno and their only enemies, the Island Caribs and the Spanish, the cacique and nobles attended a meeting at which war was declared. Here, the cacique was elected to lead the attack, and the nobles were bodyguards. Men painted their bodies red and strung small images of Zemí around their necks, and held ceremony through dance before going off to fight. Weapons included clubs, spears, and bows and arrow. The Classic Taíno are considered to be the most warlike of the peaceful Taíno .
(Rouse, 1992, 17; Jacobs, 1992)
The Taino 