Do you know the difference between the Arawak and the Caquetio? Welcome to another edition of The Sly ‘N Slide Tour Guide, where today, we dive deep into Aruba’s indigenous heritage, primarily represented by the Caquetio people. We’ll explore their way of life, beliefs, and origins—though not necessarily in that order! So grab your magic stick and follow along as we uncover the roots of the island’s first inhabitants.

Arawak vs. Caquetio: What’s the Difference?

Back when I was in elementary school, I learned about the Arawak and Carib tribes in a pretty straightforward way: the Arawaks were peaceful, while the Caribs were the “bad guys.” That was about as far as our history class went. Fast forward to today, after years of personal historical exploration, and I find myself asking, what truly separates the Arawak from the Caquetio? To get to the bottom of this, I visited the National Archaeological Museum of Aruba and had the privilege of speaking with Raymundo Dijkhoff, head of the museum’s Scientific Department.

Raymundo explained that the Arawak isn’t a specific tribe, but rather a language that originated around 5000 B.C. in the middle Amazon. Over time, various groups speaking Arawak migrated, fused, and evolved into distinct cultures and languages, creating different ethnicities across the Caribbean. Caquetio, Wahiro, and Taino are all Arawak languages, representing separate groups that developed their own identities.

Who Were the Caquetio?

The Caquetio people were the first known inhabitants of Aruba, living here for over 500 years. They were a distinct culture, not just a branch of the Arawak. Standing between 161 and 165 cm tall, they lived in organized villages and practiced agriculture. Their roots trace back to mainland Venezuela, from where they migrated to Aruba. Interestingly, they referred to themselves as “the living beings,” a name that hints at their strong connection to nature and their environment.

Though they shared a linguistic background with other Arawak groups, the Caquetio developed their own unique culture. They didn’t just occupy the island—they left their mark on it, with traces of their civilization found in many places across Aruba.

The Sacred Caves of Aruba

One of the most fascinating remnants of Caquetio culture can be found in Aruba’s caves, particularly Fontaine Cave. These caves, though never used as dwellings, held deep spiritual significance for the Caquetio. Shamanic ceremonies were conducted here, and the walls still bear the pictographs they left behind, believed to be tied to their rituals. These markings serve as a window into their belief system, offering a glimpse into their spiritual practices.

Beyond their cultural importance, the caves are also essential for Aruba’s ecosystem. They provide a home to long-tongued fruit bats, which play a crucial role in pollinating the island’s cactus flowers that bloom at night. In addition, insect-eating bats also reside in these caves, helping control the mosquito population. This makes the caves not only culturally significant but also ecologically vital to maintaining the balance of Aruba’s environment.

The Beauty of Aruba’s White Sand

Aruba’s stunning white beaches are world-renowned, consistently ranking among the top five most beautiful beaches on the planet. But what makes our sand so special? It’s actually a process millions of years in the making, shaped by the island’s coral reefs and limestone formations. Parrotfish contribute significantly to this by eating coral to access the polyps, then excreting limestone, which eventually becomes part of the sand.

When coral dies, it is swept ashore by the ocean, where wave action grinds it into the fine, powdery sand we see today. This natural process has given Aruba its dazzlingly white, soft sand, which is not only beautiful to look at but also pleasant to walk on.

It’s a reminder of the delicate balance between nature and time. While we enjoy these beaches, it’s up to us to keep them pristine. The only way they can stay beautiful is if we do our part to protect and preserve them. So, the next time you visit, be mindful and help keep our beaches clean!

The Natural Pool and the Caquetio Legacy

One of the most iconic natural landmarks in Aruba is the Natural Pool, or Conchi, as locals affectionately call it. According to oral history, this pool was once used as a breeding den for turtles. Rambo, a park ranger at Parke Nacional Arikok, sheds light on its history, revealing that the original name was Cura di Turtuga, meaning Turtle’s Garden. It’s believed that this name likely came from the Caquetio people, who used to chase and catch turtles for food.

Turtles remain an important part of Aruba’s ecosystem, but human interaction can cause them stress and even illness. When you encounter these gentle creatures, it’s crucial to respect their habitat by keeping a safe distance, avoiding flash photography, and using minimal artificial light if you’re filming. Protecting these creatures is essential to maintaining the island’s natural heritage. The Caquetio were avid divers and sustained themselves on conch, the evidence of which you can still see here and there on the island’s coastline at Arashi for example.

These mounds of conch shells are from the ceramic era (1000-1500AD) they are a reminder of the heritage and lifestyle of the Caquetio. Jusss so you know: It’s all protected heritage, meaning it is totally illegal to take any sea or conch shells assouvenirs. Apart from that, stealing shells disrupts the habitat of the creatures that thrive on the coast such as the hermit crab…Not that you would ever partake in such endeavors because you’re awesome…and if you have, well…Enjoy the curse that goes along with it.

The Echoes of the Living Beings

In case you were wondering, Caquetio translates to “the living being.” According to recent archaeological discoveries, the Caquetio people referred to Aruba as Oruma, meaning “The Companion.” Their voices, though ancient, still echo through the landscapes of this island, reminding us to listen, embrace, and protect the natural world they cherished.

As you explore Aruba, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and culture that shaped this island. The legacy of the Caquetio lives on in the land, the caves, and even the white sands of the beaches we treasure today. The story of Aruba is more than just its beauty—it’s a testament to the enduring connection between people and nature. So next time you’re here, take a step back, listen to the whispers of the past, and honor the heritage of the “living beings” who called this island home.

There you have it! Another piece of Aruba’s story added to your knowledge. Keep exploring, and always remember to protect the treasures of this beautiful island!